Bulldogs Cup squad downed in 1 point thriller

The Roosters pulled off the 23-22 win over the Bulldogs to close out Round 24 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at at Wentworth Park on Sunday.

Bulldogs centre Eli Clark found the line first, ducking low to open the scoring on the day (4-0).

The Bulldogs went back-to-back early on with Jonathan Sua successfully finding space in the Roosters defensive line to score and extend the squad's lead out to 10 points.

Winger Jordi Mazzone was the next Bulldog to score, creating space for himself on the sideline to race past Roosters defenders to score (14-4).

The Roosters hit back right before the halftime siren. A show and go from centre Ethan King gifted the Roosters with four points right on the half, to have the score sitting 14-4 leading into the second half.

King started the second half how he finished the first, bagging his second try of the afternoon to close the gap, 14-10.

The next 25 minutes was a tit-for-tat affair with each squad coming close to putting numbers on the board, however a penalty to the Bulldogs saw the score be extended out to 16-10.

Roosters debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase opened his account in his first game by scoring in the corner, levelling the score at 16-all.

Within the next three minutes each team added six points through Bulldogs forward Kitione Kautoga and Roosters winger Tyreece Tait to bring the score to 22-all with only minutes remaining on the clock.

 With less than 10 seconds on the clock, it was Roosters halfback Hugo Savala who kicked a field goal to steal away with the win for his side.

Talking Points

• Chris Patolo was subbed off in the 18th minute for a head injury assessment after a heavy challenge from the Roosters.
• Nawaqanitawase looked to be in hot water after a high tackle against Kitione Kautoga but the debutant was left unscathed.
• Two Roosters players were put on report for high tackles.
• Jordi Mazzone was assisted off the field with three minutes of play remaining due to injury.

What's next?

The Bulldogs will kick-off Round 25 with Friday night footy against the Warriors in Auckland.

The Sydney Rooster will remain on home ground at Wentworth Park for a tussle against the second placed North Sydney Bears.