4 stars had been knocked out, two returned from drug bans and one was despatched off as Canterbury surprised the Sydney Roosters 30-26 at Sydney’s Olympic stadium.
On probably the most dramatic evening of the season to this point, the Bulldogs produced their greatest half in eight years to steer 26-0 on the break earlier than they had been nearly mown down by the Roosters.
With solely 11 males left on the sector, the Tri-colours bought themselves to inside 4 factors with 4 minutes to play however the Bulldogs held on for victory.
Had the Roosters pulled off an unlikely win it could have equalled the document for the most important comeback in NRL historical past.
However as an alternative Canterbury’s triumph, which included a Matt Burton hat-trick in entrance of 7169 followers in Sydney’s driving rain, was solely a part of the story.
Roosters star and Australia’s Take a look at captain James Tedesco was knocked out within the first half by a rampaging Viliame Kikau, moments after halfback Sam Walker was concussed by a stray leg.
Dom Younger is one other Rooster unlikely to be going through Newcastle on Thursday, after being despatched off for a excessive shot that floored Bulldogs fullback Blake Taaffe throughout an incident-packed first half.
Victor Radley may additionally face suspension, after ending the sport within the sin bin for a hip-drop deal with on Stephen Crichton.
The primary-half concussions prompted the Roosters to utilise 18th man Michael Jennings in his return from a three-year ban for steroid use.
Suspended in the midst of Parramatta’s 2020 finals collection, the 35-year-old’s profession appeared over earlier than he was picked up by the Roosters throughout the summer season.
The previous Kangaroos Take a look at centre’s return got here on the identical evening the Bulldogs’ Bronson Xerri made his comeback from a four-year medicine ban.
With Younger despatched off within the twenty seventh minute and the Bulldogs’ good-looking halftime lead, Canterbury had been unbackable favourites.
However someway the match swung, the Roosters piling on 4 tries in an 11-minute interval after the break.
AAP
