Roosters bounce back to beat Broncos in fiery clash

The Sydney Roosters produced their best performance of the season to stun the Brisbane Broncos 26-16 in a fiery contest at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Billy Smith starred with a double in just his second game back from an 18-month injury layoff, while skipper James Tedesco delivered a captain’s knock, running for a game-high 202 metres and setting up a try as the Roosters claimed their fifth straight win over the Broncos at the venue.

In a game marred by ill-discipline and heavy contact, five players were placed on report and two sent to the sin bin.

Smith was first to go, collecting Reece Walsh high in the 19th minute, allowing Brisbane to hit the lead through tries to Selwyn Cobbo and Walsh himself.

But just as momentum swung the Broncos’ way, Jack Gosiewski was binned for a high shot on Victor Radley, and the Roosters took full advantage.

Smith returned to the field and immediately scored his second, latching onto a Tedesco grubber just before the dead-ball line.

Connor Watson then ignited the Roosters’ attack, bursting from dummy-half to send Angus Crichton crashing over before the break.

He backed it up in the second half, laying on a try for Nat Butcher that sealed the result for the $5 NRL betting outsiders.

Watson finished with two try assists, 35 tackles and two linebreak assists in a brilliant all-round performance, while Crichton and Butcher’s contributions gave the Roosters much-needed punch in the middle.

The Broncos threatened a late comeback when Jesse Arthars crossed in the 54th minute — his eighth try of the season — but couldn’t match the Roosters’ energy in the final stages.

Reece Walsh had his moments with a try and assist, but was shaded by Tedesco in their much-anticipated fullback duel.

Adam Reynolds was also placed on report, with teammate Kotoni Staggs joining the growing list after a high shot on Sandon Smith.

Despite the chaos, it was a composed and spirited Roosters outfit that left Suncorp with the points — a significant turnaround from their 50-14 thrashing at the hands of Brisbane in round one.

Final score: Roosters 26 (Smith 2, Crichton, Butcher tries; Tedesco 1 goal, Smith 3 goals) def. Broncos 16 (Cobbo, Walsh, Arthars tries; Walsh 2 goals)

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