Roosters suffer KO against Melbourne
August 16th 2008 07:24
Knocked out - the Storm had too much moves for the Roosters
Sydney Roosters hooker James Aubusson was not the only one feeling sick and sorry on Friday night at Olympic Park.
The promising Dummy half - who was left heavily concussed attempting tackles on Billy Slater and Israel Folau, was forced to look on in despair as his former club, the Melbourne Storm dished out their most clinical half of football this season.
Unfortunately for the Roosters, they were on the receiving end of the assault.
Brad Fittler’s men simply had no answers against a side firmly eyeing a place in this years Grand Final.
After defeating the Manly Sea Eagles last week, many could have forgiven Melbourne for turning up against the Roosters a little underdone.
Then again, fans know the Storm will turn up. Their consistency in the NRL is unmatched and it remains to be seen if anything, other than the salary cap, could derail their aura of dominance.
The Roosters tried hard, but their execution with the ball in hand is a cause for concern for coach Fittler.
Against the Storm, the Roosters made 16 errors in wet conditions which is like committing suicide against Melbourne.
Their kicking game was off the radar once again ,with Mitchell Pearce and Braith Anasta pressured heavily by the Storm defence.
Pearce in particular was forced to work very hard. The 19 year old topped the tackle count for his side, making 35 tackles with Willie Mason next on 33.
Although injuries and suspensions have crippled Fittler’s men in recent weeks, their attitude in matches this season needs to improve quickly.
Earlier in the season, the Roosters came out of a canon winning four of their first five matches.
Their attack looked swift and composed while the structure in the side was solid.
But post Origin, Fittlers men have hit a wall. They have only won two out of their past six matches and are now in real danger of dropping out of the top four.
Judging by their capitulation to the Storm, the Roosters are still a team on the mend after experiencing horror years in 2005,2006 and 2007.
As for Melbourne, they approach a time in their history where they are rivalling the present dominance of the Geelong Cats in the AFL.
Craig Bellamy’s men are both a champion team and a team of champions.
In the end, what can you call a side who has won 55 of its past 56 games when leading at halftime?
Although there are complements aplenty, the same cannot be said about the Storm’s competition at the moment.
With a side containing 16 players that have either played Origin or Test footy, Melbourne have the basis necessary to retain the Premiership received in 2007.
Mix in the finest NRL coach in Craig Bellamy and you can see why they are disposing teams they way they are.
They have became too good of a side to match player for player, and are on the cusp of becoming one of the finest NRL teams ever assembled.
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