Join today and you can easily save your favourite articles, join in the conversation and comment, plus select which news your want direct to your inbox.
Join today and you can easily save your favourite articles, join in the conversation and comment, plus select which news your want direct to your inbox.
Luke Keary and Michael Gordon enjoyed dream club debuts as the Sydney Roosters underlined their NRL credentials with a slick 32-18 win over Gold Coast on Saturday.
It was the ideal way to start the season for the Roosters with recruits Keary and Gordon running riot in an utterly dominant first half at Cbus Super Stadium.
Ireland's Michael McIlorum scored a try in the 36-12 win over Italy during the World Cup Rugby League game and Tonga put on a demolishing display over Scotland.
The Titans hit back with three unanswered tries to start the second stanza but despite the encouraging response, it wasn't enough to reverse the early damage in front of 13,933 supporters.
New Titans co-captain Kevin Proctor didn't feature after halftime and may have aggravated the knee injury he overcame to take his place in the starting team.
Advertisement
The Roosters lost the first five games of a disastrous 2016 season but showed why they are tipped to bounce back strongly and contend for the premiership this year.
You will now receive updates fromLeague HQ Newsletter
League HQ Newsletter
Get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox.
Keary's partnership with Mitchell Pearce looks poised to blossom and the Titans, who were dismal at times in defence, could do little to repel the many attacking waves they started.
On the burst: Latrell Mitchell takes on the Titans defence. Photo: Getty Images
Pearce set up Keary for the opener in the ninth minute, with the former South Sydney playmaker bouncing off Ash Taylor to start their five-try first-half blitz.
The Roosters had the better of every facet of play but Gold Coast returned from the break a much better side.
Holding on tight: Boyd Cordner carries the ball. Photo: Getty Images
A 90m runaway try to winger Anthony Don and a gift for Kane Elgey - who scored after Gordon and Shaun Kenny-Dowell bumped into each other as they contested a high ball in the 52nd minute - gave them some hope.
Jarryd Hayne popped up 10 minutes later to score off an Ash Taylor kick, closing the margin to 28-18 and setting up a grandstand finish, but the Roosters were not to be denied.
The only sour note for the visitors was when Mitchell Aubusson was put on report midway through the first half for a dangerous tackle on Titans co-captain Ryan James.
0 comments
New User? Sign up