The Sydney Roosters pulled off a major upset with a 26-16 win over the Brisbane Broncos, led by a standout performance from Billy Smith in the centres and a dominant display by skipper James Tedesco, who got the better of Reece Walsh in a thrilling head-to-head.
Smith scored twice and racked up 97 metres despite spending 10 minutes in the sin bin for a high shot on Walsh. Connor Watson was instrumental as well, contributing two try assists and making a team-high 35 tackles. Tedesco, though, stole the show with a game-best 202 run metres, a linebreak, and a try assist, eclipsing Walsh’s 118 metres, try assist, and try.
The match was physical and messy at times. Broncos prop Pat Carrigan was penalised early for a high tackle on Salesi Foketi, giving the Roosters an early 2-0 lead. Smith soared to score off a Sandon Smith bomb, but was later binned for his high contact on Walsh.
Selwyn Cobbo intercepted a pass from Smith to race 40 metres for a try, and a slick move from Adam Reynolds and Jaiyden Hunt set up Reece Walsh to score under the posts as the Broncos briefly took the lead. However, a sin bin for Jack Gosiewski after a high shot on Victor Radley swung momentum again.
Smith returned from the bin to dive on a Tedesco kick just inside the dead ball line, reclaiming the lead for the Roosters. A late first-half try from Angus Crichton set up by a quick dart from Watson gave the Roosters a 20-12 lead at halftime.
Jesse Arthars, with help from Payne Haas and Walsh, crossed to bring the Broncos closer, regaining top spot in the NRL tryscorers list with his eighth of the season. However, Watson again had a hand in a crucial moment, setting up Nat Butcher for the Roosters’ final try, extending their lead to 26-16.
Despite late pressure from the Broncos, the Roosters held firm for a memorable win.
Smith Makes His Mark Despite Setback
Billy Smith, plagued by injuries in recent years, made a big statement with 97 metres, three tackle busts, an offload, a linebreak, 17 tackles, and two tries. His high shot on Walsh may result in scrutiny, but if available, his spot in the lineup will be hard to displace.
Tedesco Edges Walsh in Marquee Matchup
In a battle reminiscent of past Origin duels, Tedesco edged out Walsh with 202 metres on 19 carries, 10 tackle busts, a linebreak, and a try assist. Walsh was lively with 118 metres, a try, and two linebreak assists, but couldn’t lift his team to victory.
Watson Dominates Dummy Half Duel
While Cory Paix has been in form this season, it was Connor Watson who dictated terms in this clash. Paix was relatively quiet, but Watson delivered 49 metres, three tackle busts, two try assists, and a game-high 35 tackles, driving the Roosters to a statement win at Suncorp.
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