LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles have secured their place in the top five after a hard-fought 28-18 victory over the Sydney Roosters in round 23 of the NSW Cup.
The Sea Eagles crossed the try line five times, outscoring the Roosters who managed three tries.
With this win, Blacktown Workers have climbed up to fourth place with only three rounds left in the competition.
It is important to note that the top five teams in the league will advance to the finals.
The Sea Eagles will now face tough challenges in their remaining three matches, all of which are away games.
They will go up against Penrith, who currently sit in eighth place, followed by a clash against the second-placed Warriors, and finally, the Bulldogs, who are in third place.
In the match against the Roosters, it was winger Jaxson Paulo who opened the scoring for the Roosters in the 31st minute, taking advantage of a break made by prop Josh Bevan.
However, Blacktown Workers quickly retaliated as winger Clayton Faulalo scored a try in the corner after an impressive 80-meter run by Jackson Ferris, who shrugged off five defenders.
The score was level at 6-all at halftime after Cooper Johns successfully converted the try.
In the second half, Sea Eagles' half-back Latu Fainu displayed his skill by fooling the defense with a dummy and scoring a 25-meter try beside the posts.
Johns converted the try, giving the Sea Eagles a 12-6 lead after 52 minutes.