The Raiders just out-powered the Roosters through the middle. Friend and Cordner clearly weren't at 100% and Warea-Hargreaves had a poor game by his standards. Coupled with the loss of Taukeiaho, the Roosters didn't get their own right of reply after the early onslaught. Papalii once again led the way and is challenging Fisher-Harris, Paulo and Bromwich for the best prop in the game. He just scored a decisive victory over JWH tonight. He certainly had some help, Tapine has been one of the most destructive players in the competition and he scored a significant try to extend the lead.
Sydney fought valiantly. Tedesco was in everything and while he came up with some crucial errors at the death, he was tireless and just about brought the Roosters back from the dead. Manu looked likely all game but they just struggled to give him good clean ball. The passing game from the Roosters in general was very sloppy and they rarely found that gear they're capable of. The senior players attempted to remedy the situation, but just ran out of time.
After dropping off the radar somewhat after his big performance against Melbourne, George Williams played a starring role, scoring a try and setting one up for Wighton. He was always going to be a key component for the Raiders and their premiership aspirations, thus far he's come up with some valuable plays during this final series. I don't think it's a stretch at all to consider him the best English half to come over in the NRL era. It's a credit to him and the Raiders for making it happen.
