LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
On Saturday, 28th June 2025, the Sydney Roosters NSW Cup team faced off against the Wests Magpies, ultimately losing 28-14 at Lidcombe Oval.
The Roosters struggled throughout the match, with Wests leading 10-6 at halftime and extending their advantage to 28-10 late in the game before the Roosters managed to score a final try.
William Malloy, making his debut on the left wing in place of the ill Tom Rodwell, scored the Roosters' first try in the first half.
Fullback Ethan King added the second try early in the second half.
The Roosters' final try was a highlight, executed by right centre Ben Johnson, who received a lofted pass from Chad Townsend, kicked ahead, and scored after regathering the ball.
King was notably one of the standout performers, running for 153 meters, achieving 7 tackle busts, and contributing with 2 line break assists, 1 try assist, and scoring a try himself.
Defensively, Hayden Barton topped the tackle count with 42 tackles, while Aston Warwick had 39.
Makahesi Makatoa and Tyler Moriaty were next with 37 and 32 tackles, respectively, both having played only 60 minutes.
In terms of injury setbacks, the Roosters lost captain Jake Elliott to an ankle injury just before halftime, and early in the second half, prop Xavier Va'a suffered a concussion after only 16 minutes on the field.
Both players are expected to be sidelined for some time due to their injuries.
Despite the loss, a positive note for the Roosters was the return of backrow forward Max McCathie, who had been out since Round 10 with a back injury.
McCathie played the first 23 minutes of the second half without any issues.