Fight night: Roosters wallop Dolphins amid high drama
The Sydney Roosters have thrashed the Dolphins 64-12 and sent a warning to the rest of the NRL after four players were sin-binned in an explosive contest at Suncorp Stadium.
A melee erupted after Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase scored the second of his three tries in the ninth minute of the contest.
Tricolours' forward duo Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte were binned, as were Dolphins pair Frank Molo and Aublix Tawha after a fiery clash broke out.
From the ensuing kick-off, Siua Wong was knocked senseless in an accidental head clash.
The late, great Arthur Beetson would have loved the physicality in a showdown that honoured his enormous legacy to both clubs.
The rugby league Immortal won premierships at the Dolphins in 1965, in the Brisbane Rugby League competition, and Roosters in 1974-75.
He played tough, and he played with flair. The Roosters did both of those things far better to stay in ninth position on 26 points, equal with the eighth-placed Dolphins. The hosts' for and against is still superior, but it took a battering in their biggest ever loss.
Roosters captain James Tedesco had a blinder and won the Artie Legacy Medal for man of the match, but had plenty of mates.
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Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Roosters bash the Bulldogs black and blue to sound finals alarm
Key posts 10.03pm Roosters bash the Bulldogs black and blue to sound finals alarm 9.55pm Tupou completes hat-trick as Roosters march into top eight 9.33pm Burton intercept gives Bulldogs some hope 9.25pm Galvin gets it wrong, Walker gets it right as Tupou scores again 9.15pm Whyte crashes over for his second and the Dogs are in trouble 8.51pm Roosters pile on the pressure and score another 8.36pm Walker edges Roosters ahead after penalty 8.25pm Walker kicks for Tupou and it's all square Hide key posts Latest posts Pinned post from 10.03pm on Aug 15, 2025 By Dan Walsh For a team that was supposed to be rebuilding, according to those outside the Roosters' opulent Allianz Stadium walls (and quietly, a few within the Tricolours HQ), Trent Robinson's side is giving the 2025 title race one hell of a shake. And for a pack featuring roughly $3.5 million in Origin and international talent, it is undoubtedly hustling, bustling Kiwi prop Naufahu Whyte who is now the Roosters' spiritual leader. Just ask Canterbury, beaten first physically with Whyte leading the assault, then on the scoreboard too – 32-12 – as the front-rower bagged two tries in nine minutes and doubled his career tally. For all the hand-wringing after a small galaxy of stars left the building and the Broncos put 50 on them in round 1, the Roosters have suddenly emerged as one of the NRL's form sides. How else can you describe them? In the past three weeks they've outmuscled Manly in the wet, thrashed the Dolphins and now trounced the Bulldogs, a genuine premiership contender. All while knowing their season could be all but scotched with a loss anywhere in that run. All season, Whyte has been immense. And for all the representative credentials of his teammates like Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton and Victor Radley, the 23-year-old with big hair and a bigger motor is the top prop around Bondi way. By the time Robinson gave him his first breather on Friday night, Whyte had two tries, 113 metres from 17 runs and 22 tackles to show for his 54 minutes at the coalface. 'I thought the system of play these guys wanted to play pulled [the Bulldogs] apart and then Naufahu has been leading the way a lot in that,' Robinson said. 'He's been impressive, really impressive.' Skipper James Tedesco added: 'He's been here for a while and this year I think he's just matured and grown as a person and a player. He's really turned into a leader... he's become one of the best front-rowers in the game.' The Roosters' timely run has lifted them into the top eight with games against Parramatta, Melbourne and South Sydney to finish the season. Their finals fate is now not only in their hands, but alongside Penrith, Robinson's side suddenly shapes as one rivals won't fancy crossing in September. Canterbury's yo-yoing of late meanwhile, is cause for concern. A 42-4 carve-up of Manly, into an insipid loss to the Tigers, back to their best against the Warriors, and now beaten black and blue by the Roosters is hardly an encouraging form line. 'I sort of blame myself there,' a quietly fuming Cameron Ciraldo said. 'Guys are carrying niggling [injuries] and they just get through training instead of actually training. I'm going to stop that. If you can't train it results in a performance like that. 'We've got a deep squad and a lot of good players who didn't play tonight. If we don't want to prepare to win then I'll put someone in that does.' Aside from Enari Tuala's opening try, and a late Matt Burton intercept, the Roosters had the Bulldogs covered. Standing opposite Tuala, Daniel Tupou was a natural target for Sam Walker's chipped and dinked kicks – putting a pair of tries on a platter for the veteran. Between Tupou's first two tries came a rough and tumble grind the Roosters slowly gained the ascendancy of. Thanks to Whyte. The big man's first try was fortuitous, a late Angus Crichton offload falling his way when Canterbury's line couldn't be cracked. But Whyte's second was a front-rower's dream – with Lachlan Galvin a bug on his windshield and carried for five metres to the tryline, along with three of his teammates. Loading The Bulldogs' rally came all too late from 26-6 down. After the Roosters had dominated the physical exchanges for an hour, Canterbury found their shoulders and hammered the Roosters into errors. Each error that left them defending deep in their own end was covered by scramble defence, though. And Canterbury turned balls over as they pushed passes and chased points. Tempers frayed along the way too – with Sam Hughes and Max King both on report for high shots, though Billy Smith may have the most to worry about for an ugly cannonball tackle. Otherwise for the Roosters, who finished in style as Tupou claimed his third try of the evening, life is looking pretty good. 9.55pm on Aug 15, 2025 Tupou completes hat-trick as Roosters march into top eight That's the cherry on top for the Roosters and Daniel Tupou, who dives over for his hat-trick try in the left corner after some lovely passing from Sam Walker and James Tedesco. Tupou is now past 180 tries and closing in on Billy Slater's career tally of 190. Tupou is 34 years old but has still got it. Walker meanwhile can do no wrong and fades his right-foot conversion in from the left touchline, capping a dream night for the Roosters. It's hard to believe they came into tonight's game sitting ninth on the ladder, but they'll leapfrog the Dolphins and Sharks – at least for now – and climb into seventh place. Roosters beat Bulldogs 32-12 at Allianz Stadium 9.50pm on Aug 15, 2025 Roosters defence comes up trumps again Great defence again from the Roosters now – the Bulldogs go left, the Roosters defence slides, Mark Nawaqanitawase holds his spot on the wing, and when the ball finds Jacob Kiraz the Tricolours swarm to tackle him over the sideline. Another penalty for a high tackle against the Bulldogs, this time on Max King, but after Roosters players run in again referee Grant Atkins has words with Tricolours skipper James Tedesco. If another Roosters player runs in for a bit of argy bargy they'll be spending the final minutes of this one in the sin bin. Meanwhile time has just about run out on the Bulldogs tonight. Roosters lead 26-12 with five minutes left 9.43pm on Aug 15, 2025 Bulldogs go close, then take pressure off with Hughes high shot Another Roosters error now, Mark Nawaqanitawase doing well to bring down a bomb then beat the attempted tackle of Viliame Kikau, only to lose his grip on the ball while getting tackled. It gives the Bulldogs a new set 10 metres out from the Roosters' line – another try here could make this a very interesting finish. It's not a great set from the Bulldogs, but it finishes well when they go through the hands to the left, and Jacob Kiraz kicks ahead and tackles Hugo Savala in the in-goal. But this time Savala's dropout is a short one, which goes off Stephen Crichton's legs and ends up in the hands of Spencer Leniu. The Roosters have it back, and Billy Smith is hit high by Sam Hughes on the following play. The Roosters don't like it and players are rushing in from everywhere. The referee calms things down and it's a penalty to the Roosters. 9.33pm on Aug 15, 2025 Burton intercept gives Bulldogs some hope A better kick from Lachie Galvin this time – once again it's caught easily by Daniel Tupou, but this time he takes it in the field of play and is shoved into the in-goal by the swarming Bulldogs defenders. The dropout gives Canterbury a much-needed repeat set, but it ends when Matt Burton's grubber is easily defused by Mark Nawaqanitawase. Both wingers have been great for the Roosters tonight, as have both halves, and their props – across the board really they've been excellent. Angus Crichton has been a handful on the left edge, Victor Radley has shown some real class with his short passing in the middle, and the Tricolours' defence has been great. But now… a rare mistake. And it's a costly one – Hugo Savala throwing an intercept pass for the very quick Matt Burton who streams clear to beat Nawaqanitawase to the tryline. Stephen Crichton nails the conversion. 9.25pm on Aug 15, 2025 Galvin gets it wrong, Walker gets it right as Tupou scores again Everything's going the Roosters' way now – so much so that even when the Bulldogs get a trip upfield via a penalty and Lachlan Galvin puts up an attacking bomb, it backfires. Galvin's bomb is a little too deap, Daniel Tupou takes it in the in-goal, and charges upfield to take a quick 20-metre tap. The Roosters charge down into Canterbury territory with their seven-tackle set, and on the last, another perfect Sam Walker kick is on the spot for Tupou to leap over Enari Tuala and score his second. All too easy. Roosters lead 24-6 with 25 minutes left 9.15pm on Aug 15, 2025 Whyte crashes over for his second and the Dogs are in trouble A rare error from Connor Tracey, who makes a meal of a Hugo Savala bomb, gives the Roosters another shot at the Bulldogs line. And they go in again, Naufahu Whyte running off Sam Walker and carrying three Canterbury defenders over the tryline with a bullocking run. The Roosters scored 64 points last week. They won't match that tonight but they are every chance of running away with another big win, even against this excellent Bulldogs defence. Roosters lead 20-6 after 47 minutes 9.12pm on Aug 15, 2025 Burton blunder then a cracker from Crichton The second half is underway and once again Matt Burton looks to hammer a long 40-20 – but it's a little off target and Mark Nawaqanitawase makes a big play, planting a foot over the sideline before taking it on the full – and the Roosters get possession well inside Bulldogs territory. The Roosters attack to the left but Billy Smith is wrapped up by a great Stephen Crichton tackle that spills the ball free. Roosters lead 14-6 after 43 minutes 9.03pm on Aug 15, 2025 Half-time stats snapshot: Roosters well on top 8.54pm on Aug 15, 2025 Roosters with all the momentum at the break It's all Roosters now. Five-eighth Hugo Savala makes a half break, then Sam Walker puts up another testing bomb, Mark Nawaqanitawase taps it back, and James Tedesco kicks for the in-goal to force another dropout. The Bulldogs kick it long and hold on for the final few seconds, and will be happy to go into the half-time break. Roosters lead 14-6 at half-time
7NEWS
14 hours ago
- 7NEWS
‘Special' Reece Walsh inspires Broncos to thrilling win over Dolphins
Reece Walsh has stood up in Brisbane's moment of need to fire a stunning second-half comeback in a 38-28 win that sent the Dolphins out of the top eight. When the Dolphins led 28-14 in the 50th minute at Suncorp Stadium the Broncos were ninth on the live ladder. They finished Saturday in sixth, with the Dolphins dropping to ninth. Walsh landed a 40/20 to turn the game in his best performance of the year, and possibly career, to win the 'Battle Medal' as player of the match. With captain Adam Reynolds and his halves partner Ezra Mam out injured, Walsh took it upon himself to be the creative force. 'Tonight, he really got the balance right,' Broncos captain Pat Carrigan said of Walsh. 'He's done some really special things but at the end of the day, we just need Reece Walsh to be Reece Walsh. He was massive for us.' The 23-year-old marshalled all the genius in his skillset to inspire the comeback. Veteran half Ben Hunt stood up with three try assists in the second half as 'Battle of Brisbane' specialist Kotoni Staggs scored a double in another blockbusting display. Both teams were without key personnel but had plenty of men stand up. Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller, recalled for his first NRL game of the season, scored a 75m individual try for the ages in the opening set after halftime. The scores were locked at 14-all when the pocket rocket brushed through Pat Carrigan and Jordan Riki in a blistering run. 'Trai was brave. That inspires the other players,' Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said. 'They love the way he returns the ball and the way he just commits his body so much and brings so much energy. His first game back in NRL I thought he was outstanding.' Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King darted over from dummy-half for a 28-14 lead, but the Broncos weren't done. Walsh, who had kicked the ball out on the full from a restart moments earlier, then landed the crucial 40/20. 'That 40/20 changed the game,' Dolphins captain Isaiya Katoa said. Brisbane winger Deine Mariner scored from the next set thanks to a masterful Hunt pass and it was game on. There was better to come when Walsh started another raid on the last tackle. Five-eighth Billy Walters sent an immaculate cross-field kick for winger Josiah Karapani to finish a sensational team try. Hunt conjured a slick grubber for prop Ben Talty to dive on and the Broncos incredibly had a 32-28 lead. In the first half, Walsh set up a try for Staggs and started and finished a 55m attacking raid in cahoots with centre Gehamat Shibasaki. The Dolphins had six of their first-choice pack out due to injury or suspension but second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and bench prop Josh Kerr provided impetus. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, switched to the centres, had several electric moments and a classic battle with Staggs. The man known as 'Hammer' ran a lovely line after Katoa double-pumped and threw him a classic out-ball. The Dolphins did well with limited opportunities and centre Jake Averillo burnt opposite number Shibasaki for a first-half try. Brisbane second-rower Jack Gosiewski was ruled out of the match with an AC joint injury in the 12th minute. The home crowd of 44, 350 were treated to the most enthralling derby of the six played so far.
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- News.com.au
NRL world loses its mind over Reece Walsh as Broncos stun Dolphins
Reece Walsh has more than his fair share of critics due to his rocks or diamonds performances. But without the likes of Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds on Saturday night, the Broncos No. 1 produced on the big stage, leading from the front as Brisbane solidified their spot in the top eight. Yet they didn't do it the easy way, coming from 14 points down to beat the Dolphins 38-28 on the back of a Walsh masterclass. The 23-year-old finished with a try, 170 run metres, three linebreak assists and a try assist as he led the Broncos to an incredible comeback win. When the Dolphins led 28-14 in the 50th minute at Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos were ninth on the live ladder. But Walsh swung the momentum back towards the home team by nailing a 40-20 to turn the game on its head. From there, Walsh and Ben Hunt pulled the strings as they stormed home over the top of the Dolphins. You can watch Reece Walsh at his scintillating best in the player above. Winger Deine Mariner scored from the set after Walsh's 40-20, beautifully set up by Hunt. From there, it only got better, as Walsh again started another fifth tackle raid. He cracked the Dolphins' left flank before Billy Walters charged through in support on the inside before sizing up the moment perfectly and landing an immaculate cross-field kick on the chest of winger Josiah Karapani to cap off an incredible team try. Minutes later, Hunt put a perfectly placed grubber into the in-goal that Ben Talty dived on to give the Broncos a 32-28 lead. Centre Kotoni Staggs then sealed the win, strolling over in the 67th minute. But it was Walsh who was the talking point. The Brisbane livewire looked sharper than ever and moved freely, hinting his troublesome knee is in the rear vision mirror. And the NRL world was quick to celebrate the Broncos superstar's display. 'Reece Walsh playing like this is easily the best player in the world,' one fan wrote. 'Reece Walsh man. That was a stellar performance from a special player, I'm so so happy he plays on my team,' another said. 'That's an 11/10 from Walsh, simply brilliant,' a third added. The Broncos will head to Newcastle to take on the injury-depleted Knights next week, where a win will lock in a top-eight spot.
