The Sydney Roosters have overcome an 18-point deficit to claim back-to-back UNE SG Ball Cup premierships.
The Knights wasted no time getting tries on the board, as they found themselves 12-points in front early. The Knights spine carried them through the first half, giving them to the upper hand heading into the sheds at halftime 24-10.
It was a comeback for the ages, with the Sydney Roosters producing three unanswered tries in the second half to claim the UNE SG Ball Cup for a second consecutive year under coach Boyd Cordner.
“That is what champion teams do. No matter what happens, they stand up,” Cordner said post-game.
The Knights were quick to act, scoring their first points just three minutes into the contest. Two quick runs from dummy half saw them straighten up their attack, gaining promising field position before a pass to prop Beau Hill saw him power over the try-line. A successful conversion from Callum Elsley saw the Knights with an early 6-0 lead.
Just minutes later, the Knights found themselves in again just metres from their own try-line, as their ruck speed proved too quick for the Roosters. An eyes up play saw the ball batted down by the Roosters before Knights halfback Chase Butler cleaned it up to score. Elsley added the extra’s as the Knights found themselves two converted tries ahead.
The Roosters answered back through their trusted fullback Rex Bassingthwaighte. Trying to crack the Newcastle defensive line in repeat sets, the ball found its way into the hands of Bassigthwaighte who wrestled with the Knights defenders to get the ball down. Converting his own try, the Roosters trailed 12-6.
The Knights extended their lead after an impressive kick pressure display. On the last play, the Roosters went to send the ball sky-high before it ricocheted off the Knights to bounce its way back towards their try-line, as Butler regained the ball and ran it over the line to score his first-half double. Another successful conversion extended the Knights lead, 18-6.
It was all class from the Knights towards the end of the first half as they piled pressure on the Roosters with repeat sets in attack. Passing and tipping the ball out to the wing, it landed in the hands of the competitions leading try scorer Melchizedek Nonu who found his 18th try of the season. Elsley converted from the sideline taking the Knights to a 24-6 lead.
The Roosters managed to decrease the deficit with just over three minutes remaining in the first half. Another push through their left edge saw centre Brooklyn Heath power over the line to score the very important try to keep the Roosters in touch, as they ended the half behind 24-10.
An error to start the second half from the Knights saw the Roosters with an early opportunity. Caleb Fesolai placed a well-timed pass just metres out from the try line to Cooper Gibbs, who ran a hard and direct line to snatch the first points of the second half. A successful conversion saw the Roosters back in the game, 24-16.
The Roosters climbed their way back up the score board after a clutch line break from centre Bastion Armstrong, seeing him run straight up the middle of the field. To his right was Bassingthwaighte, who received the pass to run away with his second try. Another successful conversion saw the Roosters turn this Grand Final into a two-point ball game.
With 13 minutes left in the Grand Final, the Roosters took the lead for the first time. Bassingwaighte, who had been at the heart of the Roosters comeback, found a gap as he slipped inside to make a break up-field. Finding his halfback Zaylen Ekepati on his inside, the Roosters were just metres away from their line as a quick tip-on made its way to the hands of James Finegan to score.
Bassingwaighte converted the try and the Roosters took a 28-24 lead that they defended for the remainder of the Grand Final to take home the UNE SG Ball Cup in back-to-back years.
“These guys are our future,” Cordner said.
“We have such a great group of young men that just want to work hard, and I have been blessed with such a good group of players.
“I am very proud, very happy and I can’t wait for more.”
