LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a weekend full of high scoring action, all three affiliate clubs hit the field with a vengeance.
Glebe and Ipswich made their triumphant return following a brief Easter break, ready to take on the competition.
Unfortunately for the Dirty Reds' Sydney Shield side, a slew of unforced errors cost them dearly as they fell to the Moorebank Rams 24-18 in the early game.
Trailing 16-nil in the second half, the Reds showed grit and determination to claw their way back, ultimately narrowing the gap to 24-18 in the final moments.
Standout performances from Roosters-contracted Iobe Taukeiselili, Casey Morgan, and David Nurthen kept the Reds in the fight.
Despite dominating most of the match and holding a commanding 32-12 lead at halftime, the Reds found themselves in a precarious position as the Bulldogs surged back with five tries in the last twelve minutes.
It was a nail-biting finish, but Aaron Zammit's men managed to stave off a final Bulldogs assault in the dying seconds to clinch a hard-fought two-point victory.
In a game of twists and turns, the affiliate clubs showcased their determination and resilience, proving that in the game of Rugby League, anything can happen.