A Sonny Bill Williams double has lifted the Sydney Roosters to a crushing 38-0 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium.
22,552 fans were on hand to watch one of the most eagerly awaited matches in recent times. The former Bulldogs star terrorised the fans who once cheered his name; scoring a double and setting up the game's first try along the way.
After keeping the Broncos and Eels scoreless, the Roosters came crashing back to earth with a last gasp loss to the Raiders in Canberra last week. Coach Trent Robinson was unsure how his side would respond, but was clearly thrilled with the final result.
"It started a bit slow tonight. We were working out whether we were going to do it. I think we really built to it".
Williams, who appeared at the press conference for the first time in 2013, humbly deflected praise for the stunning victory against his former club.
"It's always good to get a couple of tries. But for me I was pleased with handling my one percenters and my core roles".
"I've played in some really big occasions. The best way to get the best out of myself was to be really diligent".
The star recruit acknowledged the bonds he had already formed with his teammates, but was quick to point out that there was always room for improvement.
"Just week in week out I'm trying to earn the respect of the boys. And vice versa".
When told about Phil Gould's assessment that he could lead the Roosters to their first premiership since 2002, Williams told the media that he was flattered, but it was too soon to make calls of that magnitude.
"It's early days. The NRL is a tough competition as we found out last week".
Robinson, as he always does, pointed out that the NRL is a team sport and that the media shouldn't get carried away by one player.
"Individuals don't win premierships. It's about the combination of team mates to work hard for the common purpose".
James Maloney's Origin prospects were once again at the fore. Although Robinson couldn't offer much, captain Anthony Minichiello sent out a glowing endorsement for his new five-eighth.
"Origin football is a tough arena. You need to be able to take the knocks, make the runs, and have a good kicking game. I think he's got that".
22,552 fans were on hand to watch one of the most eagerly awaited matches in recent times. The former Bulldogs star terrorised the fans who once cheered his name; scoring a double and setting up the game's first try along the way.
After keeping the Broncos and Eels scoreless, the Roosters came crashing back to earth with a last gasp loss to the Raiders in Canberra last week. Coach Trent Robinson was unsure how his side would respond, but was clearly thrilled with the final result.
"It started a bit slow tonight. We were working out whether we were going to do it. I think we really built to it".
Williams, who appeared at the press conference for the first time in 2013, humbly deflected praise for the stunning victory against his former club.
"It's always good to get a couple of tries. But for me I was pleased with handling my one percenters and my core roles".
"I've played in some really big occasions. The best way to get the best out of myself was to be really diligent".
The star recruit acknowledged the bonds he had already formed with his teammates, but was quick to point out that there was always room for improvement.
"Just week in week out I'm trying to earn the respect of the boys. And vice versa".
When told about Phil Gould's assessment that he could lead the Roosters to their first premiership since 2002, Williams told the media that he was flattered, but it was too soon to make calls of that magnitude.
"It's early days. The NRL is a tough competition as we found out last week".
Robinson, as he always does, pointed out that the NRL is a team sport and that the media shouldn't get carried away by one player.
"Individuals don't win premierships. It's about the combination of team mates to work hard for the common purpose".
James Maloney's Origin prospects were once again at the fore. Although Robinson couldn't offer much, captain Anthony Minichiello sent out a glowing endorsement for his new five-eighth.
"Origin football is a tough arena. You need to be able to take the knocks, make the runs, and have a good kicking game. I think he's got that".
