LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Roosters were left licking their wounds after a tough battle against the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, with the visitors pulling off a late 18-16 upset victory.
Both teams were missing key players due to Origin duties, but it was Scott Drinkwater who shone brightest on the field, scoring a crucial try, setting up another, and making a game-saving tackle on Dom Young to secure the win.
With skipper James Tedesco called up for the Blues, the Roosters had to navigate a backline reshuffle that disrupted their attacking rhythm.
Despite this, they managed to take an early lead through a penalty goal from the boot of Sam Walker after Chad Townsend was caught offside.
The home side extended their advantage when Terrell May crashed over off a sharp pass from Walker close to the line, but the Cowboys hit back before halftime with Braidon Burns crossing in the corner, though Drinkwater couldn't convert the try.
In a game of twists and turns, it was the Cowboys who prevailed in the end, leaving the Roosters reeling from the loss.
But in true sporting fashion, they'll regroup and bounce back stronger in their next outing.