Sam Walker showed his determination while making a strong comeback after suffering a concussion, just as Joseph Suaalii gave NSW Origin coach Michael Maguire an exciting ponder. In an Anzac Day clash that recorded its biggest ever victory, the Sydney Roosters outshone their opponents St George Illawarra, cruising to a 60-18 win at Allianz Stadium.
Walker was dynamic in the match, finishing with a superb personal tally of 24 points and playing a significant part in the Rooster’s dominating play. Despite a fortnight off the field due to a head injury previously, the young star immediately made his presence felt under the clear, blue skies, where the rugby league competition took centre stage.
The 18-year old’s effective short-kicking technique was extremely impressive. His mastery rewarded him with a penalty try, whilst aversely, a misplaced kick from Tyrell Sloan found Walker’s face. Walker’s impressive performance did not stop there. He skillfully set up an early goal for Joey Manu, as well as assisting Nat Butcher, who proved himself with two excellent goals.
Walker’s father, Ben Walker, watched with pride from the audience. Known for encouraging his son to freely express his game style on the field, he would have savoured this commanding performance against the Red V.
The Roosters are currently facing a number of injury woes with Luke Keary being a particular concern. His noticeable discomfort during the closing minutes of the match could stress Walker’s significant contribution in the future. Another player who did not finish the game was Michael Jennings, who sustained a tricep injury. Teammates Daniel Tupou and Victor Radley were also sidelined because of injuries.
Despite the injuries, the Roosters‘ performance was significantly improved with Walker’s return. A serious discussion about their chances in the premiership may only begin if they can deliver against the Brisbane Broncos next week.
Joseph Suaalii is nearing the end of his last NRL season before he commits to a prosperous Rugby Australia contract. Despite this, he expressed a strong desire to finish his NRL tenure as an Origin player. It was highly appropriate that he scored the final try of the match, his first since the 26th round of the previous season. His continuous tussle with 24-year-old Zac Lomax was a spectacle throughout the match, with both refusing to step down from the rigorous physicality.
The coming weeks leading to the inaugural Origin match in June will feature a concerning debate about whether Maguire should even consider selecting Suaalii, due to his imminent switch to rugby. However, the desire to win is strong, and Maguire’s inclination would be to opt for the best seventeen players available at the time.
Lomax played a significant role in setting the Dragons’ first try up, sneaking a pass to Sloan on his wing. Although this felt effortless, Lomax did misjudge a pass, which resulted in the Roosters, via Angus Crichton, taking a lead which they never surrendered.
Despite entering the game as the in-form outside back, Lomax was confronted with several challenges on the grand stage, especially under the pressure of 40,727 spectators.
Credit to the Red V though, the loss of player Moses Suli due to a punishing hit by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, did not dampen their spirits. Kyle Flanagan was forced to defend and play in the centres, a position he’s unaccustomed to. The Dragons were evidently drained well before the half-time whistle.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan, reflects on the game, saying, “I couldn’t wait until it finished, to be honest. We came back to earth with a thud”. He went on to say that both Keary and Walker were given too much freedom, terming that they were allowed to “play in dinner suits”. However, he is hopeful due to the 10-day recovery period before they face Cronulla in the derby.