Juniors Report Round 9: Roosters Ready for Finals

Harold Matthews Cup | Roosters Run Down by Sharks, Central Coast Cop Draw 

Sydney Roosters 22 def by Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 26

The Sydney Roosters' Harold Matthews Cup side were trumped at Shark Park at the hands of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, 26-22, run down after claiming a handy half-time lead. 

Much like their fellow junior representative counterparts throughout season 2024, the Tricolours got on the board early in the contest to assert their dominance as James Finnegan and Lui Lee crossed in the first six minutes.

Tries to EJ Mahu-Delamere and William Pappas added to the scoreline as the Roosters powered through to a 22-10 lead at the break. 

Unfortunately for the Roosters, their opponents gained the ascendency in the second stanza, scoring three tries in a fifteen minute period, with neither side able to trouble the scoreboard in the final ten minutes. 

Central Coast Roosters 16 draw with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 16

Meanwhile, the Central Coast Roosters had to settle for a draw in their final match of the season, posting a 16-all scoreline against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval. 

It was a slow start for the Roosters as the hosts raced to a 10-nil lead, with the scoreline remaining at the break with plenty of work to be done in the second half. 

Winger Semi Leweniqila made his mark just one minute in upon resumption, getting his side on the board and closing the deficit to four points.

Manly hit back with a try of their own to regain the ascendency, however a late double to front rower Charleston Te Rore saw the scoreline level with less than five minutes on the clock. 

A field goal shootout ensued, however neither side was able to nail the final point, with the two combatants settling for a stalemate at the end of the match. 

SG Ball Cup | Roosters Claim Minor Premiership

Sydney Roosters 28 def Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 20

The Sydney Roosters have claimed the SG Ball Minor Premiership after finishing the regular season with nine wins from nine games, completing the feat in a 28-20 win over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Shark Park. 

It was a back-and-forth contest between the two sides in the first half, with the Roosters taking a handy eight-point lead into the break thanks to tries to Kade Maguire (3rd minute), Zach Fittler (18th) and Baxter Warner (25th). 

Josiah Fesolai added his name to the scoresheet just minutes after the sides returned to the field, with Warner bagging a brace for a 28-10 lead, however, Cronulla looked to make it a contest after posting two quick tries. 

Despite being down a man in the final ten minutes, the Roosters' resilience shone through as they refused to let in a single point, claiming the Minor Premiership and finishing the regular season undefeated.