NRL 2020, round 6 | Sydney Roosters defeat Parramatta Eels

The Sydney Roosters have again flexed their premiership credentials with the game of the season in a phenomenal match at Bankwest Stadium. The game was in the balance for most of the game but the Roosters pulled away in the final 20 minutes to claim a 24-10 win. But after going down 8-0 at the break, the Eels responded scoring a second try with one try that will go into every highlights package. On the fourth tackle, the ball swung from the right to the left with Michael Jennings breaking a tackle and passing to Maika Sivo, who steamrolled Roosters fullback and superstar James Tedesco.

Sivo scored in the corner, while Tedesco was left knocked out with the medicab called out, although he didn’t need it. Tedesco hit his head hard on the ground and was unable to return to the game but by all reports was alright.

In commentary an excited Andrew Voss said, Call an ambulance maybe call a priest, Sivo has run over the top of Tedesco. What a moment at Bankwest. He just copped everything from Sivo. Bravely put his body on the line with Sivo full head of steam up.

After an assessment, Tedesco even walked off the field in a great sign.

Post match, Cooper Cronk said, he was moved out of the way.

Michael Ennis said, it was shade of Meninga or Jonah Lomu it was terrifying to see Sivo.

Fans were blown away by the moment both for Sivo’s barnstorming run and concern for Tedesco.

Even Roosters coach Trent Robinson said, Tedesco was in the right spot but that it just didn’t come off. We were talking about what he could have done and he was actually really well prepare he knew he had to brace he knew he had to prepare himself for Sivo’s physicality close to the line there and it didn’t work. A lot of courage in that but that’s why Sivo’s the player he is as well.

But the huge moment appeared to take the air out of the balloon for the Eels as the Roosters again showed why they are two time defending champions in a brilliant and tight match up. It saw the Eels take the lead 10-8 after Mitchell Moses sideline conversion, but the Roosters hit back straight away as Boyd Cordner backed up a Luke Keary linebreak to snatch the lead back. A pair of penalty goals made it 18-10 for the Roosters, with an Eels sin binning making it a bridge too far for Parramatta to come back as Daniel Tupou crossed to seal the result at the end of the game. It spoils the Eels attempt to go six from six for the first time in club history.

But Anasta said, the performance has proven the Eels are the real deal. Take nothing away from Parramatta, they’ve been enormous, unbelievable. If tonight was a yardstick they’ve proven they’re there. They can win the competition, they’re in it well and truly up to their eyeballs.