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The Roosters have shot out to a 26-12 lead over the Rabbitohs but it’s come at a cost with star prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves leaving the field with hamstring tightness.
The Bunnies also copped a huge blow in with skipper Cameron Murray suffering a significant head knock in the opening minute.
Murray’s head collided with Kevin Naiqama’s hip and he struggled to get to his feet right away before he was sent for a HIA.
“That looked one of the more severe knocks,” Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane said.
MATCH CENTRE: Roosters vs Rabbitohs live score, stats, video
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50TH MINUTE
The Rabbitohs scored a crucial try through Taane Milne who did a terrific job to stay in as he planted the ball down in the corner.
43RD MINUTE
The Roosters struck again as Luke Keary sent Egan Butcher over.
Fox League’s Dan Ginnane said: “This could get ugly.”
30TH MINUTE
Roosters halfback Sam Walker kicked a grubber for himself to score and extend his side’s lead.
“Brilliant skill and plenty of ticker to take them on to do it,” Fox League’s Michael Ennis said.
“It’s hard not to like watching Walker, so refreshing.”
24TH MINUTE
The Rabbitohs got on the board through rookie hooker Peter Mamouzelos, who dived on a Latrell Mitchell grubber.
20TH MINUTE
The Roosters extended their lead through skipper James Tedesco. It was all down to Luke Keary’s ball-playing, which sent Angus Crichton through a hole as he passed onto Tedesco to score.
“They looked like they’re in a mood,” Fox League sideline commentator Matt Russell said.
13TH MINUTE
Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves left the field with hamstring tightness.
“That’s a big blow, that’s a big concern,” commentator Dan Ginnane said.
6TH MINUTE
The Roosters opened up the scoring through star second-rower Angus Crichton, who crossed off Luke Keary’s pass.
“Keary comes up trumps with a beautiful short ball… That is Luke Keary at his absolute best,” Fox League’s Michael Ennis said.
“That combination of Crichton and Keary proving to be a real headache for opposition over the last month.”
1ST MINUTE
Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray was forced from the field for a HIA after his head collided with the hip of Kevin Naiqama in a tackle.
Fox League’s sideline commentator Matt Russell later confirmed that Murray had failed his HIA.
MATCH PREVIEW
A home final is on the line when the Roosters host the Rabbitohs in a blockbuster clash at the refurbished Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
The arch rivals will take the field after the NRLW grand final rematch in front of a sold-out crowd.
The Roosters and Rabbitohs will finish sixth and seventh, it’s just the order that needs to be decided on Friday — with the winner to secure a home final for next week.
The Roosters are flying, with seven consecutive wins under their belt but have copped a couple of untimely blows.
Star wingers Daniel Tupou and Joseph Suaalii as well as Victor Radley and Lindsay Collins are sidelined, forcing coach Trent Robinson to make some key changes.
Paul Momirovski and Kevin Naiqama got the nod on the wings, while Siosiua Taukeiaho will start at lock and Terrell May join the bench, along with Oliver Gildart.
The Rabbitohs have copped their fair share of knocks too with Damien Cook still out and coach Jason Demetriou forced to watch this clash from home — both due to Covid-19 protocols.
Campbell Graham is out through injury, with Jaxson Paulo replacing him in the centres. Peter Mamouzelos was included on the bench and Demetriou made a late switch before kick-off with Kodi Nikorima replacing Michael Chee Kam.
TEAMS
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Paul Momirovski 3. Drew Hutchison 4. Joseph Manu 20. Kevin Naiqama 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 17. Terrell May 21. Oliver Gildart. Replacement player: 16. Fletcher Baker
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jaxson Paulo 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Hame Sele 19. Kodi Nikorima. Replacement player: 17. Michael Chee Kam
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