LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Roosters junior representative sides had a mixed day on Saturday, with four wins and three losses, highlighted by a record win by the Lisa Fiaola Cup team.
The Sydney Roosters S.G.
Ball team have suffered a second successive agonising loss, going down 38-32 to Newcastle in Newcastle, after leading 32-20, with 22 minutes remaining.
The Roosters ran in six tries in the first 55 minutes but were unable to hold off a Newcastle comeback once the Knights started to dominate possession and field position.
"Star halfback Toby Rodwell had some nice moments in the game, highlighted by a first half try double," said the coach, "whilst interchange forwards Itulu Seve and James Finegan gave the Roosters great impetus when they came onto the field."
The loss has left the Roosters precariously placed in ninth spot on the competition table, and can now likely only afford one more loss from their remaining four matches to qualify for the finals.
"Next Saturday the Roosters play the Sharks (three wins, two losses) at Cronulla," added the coach optimistically.
The Sydney Roosters Harold Matthews Cup team has narrowly lost its Round 5 clash with Newcastle at Wentworth Park to Newcastle.
The 24-20 loss means that the Roosters may need to win all their remaining matches to make this season's finals series.
It was a frustrating day for the Roosters who matched the Knights for tries scored but failed to nail the key moments in the game after falling behind 24-6 early in the second half.