LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The footy season kicked off on Sunday for the Roosters NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup sides, with the Roosters recording one win and one loss in Round One matches at Wentworth Park.
In a gutsy display, the Sydney Roosters started their 2025 NSW Cup campaign with a thrilling 12-10 victory over the 2024 grand finalists, the North Sydney Bears at Wentworth Park.
Despite missing eleven NRL squad members, the Roosters were able to put together a determined Cup lineup to take on the Bears.
The players didn't dwell on who was missing; their focus was solely on taking down the Bears and playing for each other.
Both teams suffered early blows as they lost their starting hookers within the first ten minutes of the game, with Michael Coleman going down for the Roosters with a suspected left leg injury.
The first half saw only one try, scored by North Sydney in the 20th minute.
However, the Roosters bounced back in the second half with two tries, including left wing recruit Tom Rodwell playing a crucial role in both.
Halfback Hugo Savala converted Rodwell's try in the 55th minute and scored one of his own just four minutes later.
Savala's conversion and penalty goal in the 70th minute gave the Roosters a 12-4 lead, but North Sydney fought back to set up a nail-biting finish.
Fortunately, the Roosters managed to hold on for the win in front of a crowd that included many NRL squad members, extending their winning streak in the competition to six games.
It was a hard-fought victory, with Captain Max McCathie leading from the front as one of the hardest workers on the field.
Hugo Savala continued his good form from the trials, guiding the team to success.
Next weekend, the Roosters will hit the road to face the Penrith Panthers in Penrith, who suffered a 26-12 defeat to the Newtown Jets in their season opener at the same venue.