Round 11
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 12 l. Sydney Roosters 13

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Minichiello steals Roosters Golden Point win
Sat May 26, 2007
The great coaching career of Chris Anderson has been saved for at least another week with the Roosters coming from 12-0 down to defeat Cronulla 13-12 following a dramatic drop goal from Anthony Minichiello in Golden Point.

Anderson has been in the firing line for the Roosters poor results this season and the Roosters don't tolerate under performing coaches putting the future of Anderson in doubt.

The Roosters turned up ready to play in a tough encounter and they had to withstand plenty of Sharks pressure early on and did remarkably well to keep the scores locked at nil-all until the 27th minute when the opening try occured with inform Sharks back-rower Paul Gallen crossed over. Luke Covell converted to put Cronulla up 6-0 and the score remained that way until half-time.

Greg Bird scored three minutes into the second half to extend Cronulla's lead to 12-0 following Covell's conversion and it looked like they would go on with the job.

However, the Roosters had other ideas and they never gave up searching for the opening to get back into the clash. Finally the break came in the 69th minute with Ashley Harrison going over and the scores were locked up three minutes later with John Williams scoring. Craig Fitzgibbon converted both tries as the match entered into a thrilling finale.

The match went into Golden Point and Minichiello of all players landed an important drop goal from 25m out to give the Roosters their 3rd victory of the season four minutes into the extra time period.

Minichiello has been getting back to his very best in recent weeks and tonight it was discovered that he had a hidden kicking game to his array of talents.

The Roosters were boosted in the pre-match to have Minichiello, Braith Anasta and Anthony Tupou return from State of Origin duty, while many Roosters fans finally saw what they've been hoping for all season with Jamie Soward in the halfback position following the withdrawal of Mitchell Pearce. Soward had a solid game and could feature in more top grade matches in the near future.

Cronulla have enjoyed a great season and remain entrenched in the top eight despite this loss.

It was a top game of football played between two desperate sides with the Roosters emerging victors in a result that firmly puts the Dragons, Bulldogs and Rabbitohs as the three most likely sides to take out the dreaded wooden spoon and gives the great coaching career that Anderson has enjoyed some breathing space.

The Roosters showed a few sides how to play a tough and patient game of football and deserve the two points as a result.


Anasta, Minichiello and Tupou called into the Roosters side
Fri May 25, 2007
Sydney Roosters coach Chris Anderson has named a revised team to take on the inform Cronulla Sharks at Toyota Park tomorrow night following Wednesday's State of Origin clash.

Anthony Minichiello returns to the fullback position wearing No.21 and Braith Anasta in No.18 will play in the five-eighth position.

Amos Roberts moves from fullback to wing with Shaun Kenny-Dowall dropped from the side. Setamata Sa drops back to the interchange bench following Anasta's return to the pivot position.

Anthony Tupou suffered a slight concussion in Origin 1 and is being given until tomorrow afternoon to be passed fit to play. Anderson has named him on a five-man bench with Mitchell Aubusson dropping back to Premier League.

Nate Myles was unavailable for selection after being suspended for two matches following a dangerous throw during Queensland's 25-18 comeback victory last Wednesday night.

It's an important match for both the Roosters and Anderson tomorrow night. The Roosters are at this stage slight favourites ahead of the Titans, Panthers and Bulldogs for the dreaded wooden spoon and anymore losses will more than likely see Anderson on his way out the door before the season ends.

Revised Roosters team:

21. Anthony Minichiello
1. Amos Roberts
3. Sam Perrett
4. Joel Monaghan
5. John Williams
18. Braith Anasta
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. David Shillington
9. Craig Wing
10. Danny Nutley
11. Shane Shackleton
12. Craig Fitzgibbon
13. Ashley Harrison

Subs:
14. Mickey Paea
15. Lopini Paea
16. Nigel Plum
6. Setamata Sa
20. Anthony Tupou
(one to be omitted)

Tue May 22, 2007
• Roosters don't name Origin players
  

Advanced Search