The Sydney Roosters have sent a warning to the NRL with an 82-12 demolition of North Queensland in Townsville, the most points by a winning team in 91 years.
Halfback Sam Walker, amid multi-million dollar contract talks, produced a masterclass as the Roosters scored the equal most first-half points in premiership history, leading 48-6 at halftime.
Record-Breaking First Half
The Roosters scored eight tries in the opening 40 minutes, with fullback James Tedesco and Walker both crossing twice. Walker's 24 points in the first half, including eight goals from eight attempts, equalled the record for most points by an individual in a half.
Walker finished with 36 points and a hat-trick of tries, matching winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who also scored three.
Dominance from Start to Finish
Captain James Tedesco, fresh from a hat-trick the previous week, started and finished the opening try, setting the tone. Forwards Naufahu Whyte and Salesi Foketi dominated early, and the spine of Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Walker and Reece Robson ran riot.
The Cowboys levelled briefly at 6-6 through Braidon Burns, but that was the only moment the match was in balance.
Coach Reactions
Roosters coach Trent Robinson praised his side's hunger. “You don’t get 80 points unless you defend the other side really well, so the mindset to keep it to 12 was very good,” he said.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten was scathing. “It’s absolutely unacceptable and as coach of this club it is one of our darkest days, if not our darkest day,” he said. “I’d like to apologise to our members and fans that turned up and those that watched at home.”
The 82 points were the most by a team since the Roosters beat Canterbury 87-7 in 1935, and the third-highest in premiership history.
The Roosters temporarily joined Penrith on 34 competition points at the top of the ladder, extending their winning streak to six matches.
Tedesco left the field at halftime with an ankle complaint, but Robinson said it was precautionary.
