The Sydney Roosters have started the 2014 season with a loss, going down to the South Sydney Rabbitohs 28-8 at ANZ Stadium.
In a match that never really reached the same heights we witnessed at the back end of last year with both sides slowly gaining match fitness, it was South Sydney who took full advantage of their opportunities.
The home side clearly won the penalty and field position battle, sealing the result with two late tries at the death.
In fairness the trademark defence we become accustomed to from the Tricolours last season was again there for all to see for the majority of the night, tired bodies eventually resulting in a series of leaked points at the death.
Jennings got the Tricolours off to a great start but in truth it was the collective work of first Jake Friend with a charge down but then Tupou who booted the loose ball just shy of eighty meters only to be tackled without the ball by Adam Reynolds.
Luckily as he seems to be on all occasions, Jennings was on hand despite the illegal play to dive on the ball and have the Tricolours up by six.
Somehow Reynolds avoided the sin bin for the incident.
The Rabbitohs were the next to score, not through a structured attack but simply the sheer strength of Greg Inglis.
The Australian international took advantage of a tiny amount of space close to the line, wrestling his way over.
Souths dominated penalties and field position in the first half and should have gone in to the break ahead if it were not for some great defence from the defending premiers.
Three quick penalties in succession at the start of the second enabled Maloney to slot two points and have the Roosters in front early.
A nice back line movement shortly after was finished off by Inglis, his double putting the home side in front once more.
An ill disciplined shoulder charge then gifted the Bunnies two points and a converted try lead before another penalty minutes later extended the lead to eight.
A flurry of late tries for the home side then sealed the result with the Tricolours now looking to register their first two points of the season next Saturday night at home to the Eels.
