It was a great day of football at the NRL Auckland Nines, and the young Roosters side were competitive through both games in the first day.
After narrow losses to both the Rabbitohs and the Eels, this side can take plenty of positives out of this first day in Auckland.
Let’s look at some of the positives.
BRAITH ANASTA |
The Captain was impressive today, scoring a try in his first match through the infamous ‘Anasta Corridor’ and slotting a field goal in the second game to put the Roosters in the lead.
It was the Anasta of old and he’ll be looking for another big one tomorrow afternoon against the Melbourne Storm
LATRELL MITCHELL |
Three tries in two games for the young gun fullback, his most impressive being his second against Parramatta when he ran around three defenders to level the scores.
If this was a glimpse of what is to come from the young man, we’re eagerly awaiting his NRL debut.
JOSEPH MANU |
Manu was a weapon today, with his footwork and speed being a handful in both games.
He put Mitchell through under the sticks for a bonus try in the first game, and threw a miracle ball to put him over again in the second game.
Still with plenty more improvement in him, Manu is an excitement machine and we can’t wait to see what he has to bring in the future.
WRAP-UP |
Though there is more youth than experience in this Nines squad, the effort was impressive all over the park.
It was the same case in both games, with the Roosters gaining a lead and losing it in the final minute.
Had these games been closed out, the Roosters would be walking into tomorrow’s game with plenty of confidence.
That being said, the competitive nature of this team was impressive and it would make any Roosters supporter excited about the future.
Tomorrow morning we play the Melbourne Storm in a crucial clash at 8:30am Sydney time.
