NRL Round 18 Rewind
0By Stephen Gallagher
Eels 22 Roosters 18
When leading 18-6 with 20 minutes to go, the general rule of thumb is not to lose.
However, three wins in total this season, the Roosters botched it.
They started out well in wet conditions at Pirtek Stadium with the opening try to Latrell Mitchell off an epic Kenny-Dowall offload.
The Eels equalised, and the remainder of the half was a very tight tussle.
Two Roosters tries in three minutes extended their lead – but that was all the joy for them.
You must admire the Eels determination, another fantastic comeback to win despite the off field dramas the club has had.
They never showed they were down and out and their relentless attacking attitude paid off.
The ecstasy of this come from behind win is now soured, after the NRL stripped twelve competition points off them a day later.
Bulldogs 32 Tigers 22
The Bulldogs are going about their business – notching up wins and keeping other teams on notice.
They did concede the first try, but they leveled up not long after.
The Tigers did put in some work to hit the front again, but the efforts of Sam Kasiano led to two tries in two minutes for the Doggies.
And much like the first half, Tigers scored first – but that was it.
The return of Brett Morris has been well received. 7 tries in three matches including a double on the night.
The Bulldogs got through this game unscathed and in a handy position with origin now over.
Sharks 26 Panthers 12
Penrith were right in this until half time.
This was an important Penrith match. They needed a win to keep in touch with the eight.
Despite five Cronulla players out due to State Of Origin, they looked as hot as ever notching up their 13th straight win.
The Panthers looked all sorts really. No direction, no set game plan it seemed.
The Sharks have a fantastic culture right now. They are full of fight and confidence and hard to match.
The highlight of the match for Penrith fans I imagine was what seemed to be a black domestic cat streaking down the field. Weird.
Raiders 26 Cowboys 12
It was a freezing cold Canberra night but the result was hot for the Green Machine.
It took less than three minutes for the Raiders to notch up a try, but not long after that the Cowboys leveled.
It was tit for tat for majority of the match – but a depleted Cowboys side lacked the extra oomph they usually bring and failed to round out the match.
The Raiders looked solid all match through Jack Wighton at the back, with two tries and two stellar try saving tackles.
The Raiders sit just outside the top four and are knocking hard on the door.
The Cowboys will be thankful to have the bye this weekend.
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