LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
On May 3, 2025, the Sydney Roosters secured their fifth S.G.
Ball Cup title in an exhilarating 33-26 extra-time victory over minor premiers Parramatta at Leichhardt Oval.
This marks the Roosters' first title win since 2014.
The team welcomed back hooker and captain Jaxson Allen after a seven-week absence due to a broken jaw, although they were missing key outside backs Rex Bassingthwaite, William Pappas, and Lachlan Dooner due to injuries.
The match started poorly for the Roosters, who struggled with errors and found themselves 12-0 behind after ten minutes.
Their first try came unexpectedly when a kick from five-eighth Tyson Walker ricocheted off his leg into the hands of winger James Finegan, narrowing the gap to 12-6 after the conversion.
The teams exchanged tries, with E.J.
Mahu-Delamare scoring for the Roosters, and at halftime, Parramatta led 16-12.
In the second half, the Roosters briefly took the lead with Finegan scoring again, only for Parramatta to respond with two consecutive tries, pushing their advantage to 26-18 with ten minutes left on the clock.
Despite the Roosters facing numerous errors that hindered their attacking chances, they mounted a last-minute comeback.
With just 90 seconds left and trailing by eight points, they executed a solid set of six plays, resulting in a decisive try from lock Josiah Fesolai.
With the score at 26-22, the Roosters opted against the conversion attempt, focusing on a final push as the game entered its closing moments.