Underdog Roosters defy odds to beat Penrith in thriller

The Sydney Roosters have pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent NRL history, stunning the four-time defending premiers Penrith 38-32 at CommBank Stadium.

Given little chance by pundits and top NRL bookmakers pricing them as a $13 hope alike after a heavy defeat in Round 1, Trent Robinson’s men proved the doubters wrong with a performance full of belief, discipline, and attacking brilliance.

Despite missing a host of experienced stars and fielding a side with several players who had played fewer than five NRL games, the Roosters refused to be overawed and took the game to the reigning champions.

Penrith looked set to continue their dominance when Paul Alamoti sliced through weak defence to score inside the opening two minutes.

But instead of capitulating, the Roosters responded with two tries in quick succession, as Connor Watson and Mark Nawaqanitawase found their way to the line.

The Panthers struggled to find their usual rhythm, making uncharacteristic errors and missing a staggering 44 tackles—far from the clinical machine that has ruled the NRL for the past four years.

Roosters captain James Tedesco led from the front with a masterful performance, finishing with three try assists and nine tackle busts in a display that proved why he remains one of the game’s premier fullbacks.

His leadership, alongside the influence of senior players like Angus Crichton and Chad Townsend, helped guide the young Roosters through the contest.

Nawaqanitawase, in just his third NRL game, produced a breakout performance, combining silky touches in attack with resolute defence, while Tupou and Sandon Smith also made crucial contributions.

The defining moment came in the dying seconds when Daniel Tupou produced a stunning try-saving tackle on Brian To’o, who looked certain to score in the corner.

It was a moment of defensive brilliance that ensured the Roosters would leave with the two points.

Just minutes earlier, Dom Young had also denied a Panthers try in another desperate effort, as the Roosters held on with just 12 men after Salesi Foketi was sin-binned.

“We had to do whatever it takes to hold on,” Tedesco said.

“They were throwing everything at us. I think Dom made a try-saver in the corner, and then Tupou at the end there… we just had to keep scrambling.”

Nathan Cleary did his best to lead a late Penrith surge, landing two penalty goals before Casey McLean crossed in the corner to bring the game within six points.

But his missed sideline conversion—his only miss from the tee all night—left the Panthers needing a final play to force golden point.

“It was just simple errors,” Cleary admitted post-match.

“They all came different ways. Maybe it’s the kick in the bum we needed.”

Post-match, Robinson praised the belief shown by his side, particularly the younger players who stepped up against the odds.

“It doesn’t come in a week,” he said of the Roosters’ turnaround.

“Those guys have been training really well throughout the whole preseason. The leaders—Teddy, Gussy, Connor, and Chad—led from the front, but they also brought the guys with them and gave them confidence to play.”

He was particularly proud of Nawaqanitawase, who is still adjusting to rugby league after switching codes.

“He’s learning rugby league—what, at game three? But you can see there’s a real creativity to the way he plays. He had to defend really well too, and he’s only going to get better.”

Tedesco described the win as one of the proudest of his career. “I feel like it’s the most satisfying win,” he said.

“Obviously after last week, with the leaders and experience we had out, the young guys had to play big minutes against a team that’s been dominant the last four years. We executed our game plan, 17 of us doing our job, working for each other and playing footy.”

Dylan Edwards’ groin injury added further concern for the Panthers, with the star fullback leaving the field midway through the second half after pulling up lame while chasing a breakaway Roosters try.

Edwards’ absence was noticeable as Penrith struggled to execute their late-game attack, and he is now expected to undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury.

The result sets up a fascinating grand final rematch for Penrith against Melbourne next week, while the Roosters will take confidence from this victory as they look to rebuild momentum after their Round 1 humiliation.

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