LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a fiery clash during Round 23 of the NSW Cup, the Sydney Roosters were unable to overcome the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, who claimed a hard-fought 28-18 victory at Wentworth Park.
The Tricolours displayed exceptional scrambling defence in the first half, with standout performances from Jaxson Paulo and Joseph Taipairi, supported by a resilient forward pack.
However, the Sea Eagles proved unstoppable in the second half.
Despite Easts' efforts to shift the momentum by forcing consecutive goal-line dropouts, the Sea Eagles' defence successfully stifled the relentless attack from the Red, White, and Blue, resulting in an error and a turnover.
Winger Jaxson Paulo finally broke the deadlock just before halftime, capitalizing on a short ball from Prop Josh Bevan to score next to the posts.
Paulo converted his own try, giving the Roosters a narrow 6-0 lead.
However, the Sea Eagles swiftly retaliated seconds before the break, with winger Clayton Faulolo executing a sensational full-field effort to cross acrobatically in the corner.
Cooper Johns successfully converted the try, leveling the scores at six apiece heading into halftime.
The second half commenced with an early penalty for an illegal strip, prompting the Roosters to opt for a penalty goal attempt.
Unfortunately, Paulo was unable to convert, leaving the scores deadlocked at six-apiece.