The Roosters thrashed the Sharks 46-10 to set up a preliminary final clash against the Dolphins after Cronulla star Nicho Hynes was forced off early following a horror collision.
Hynes lasted just three minutes of the semi-final before a nasty coming together with back-rower Salesi Foketi saw him make way, before it was confirmed he would not return.
Tries from Lindsay Collins and Daniel Tupoa saw Sydney race into an early lead, before Cronulla answered through Eliesa Katoa and Ronaldo Mulitalo to reduce the deficit to just two points.
But Daly Cherry-Evans went over to give the Roosters a healthy lead going into the break.
With Hynes already sidelined, it felt like a long way back for the Sharks.
And so it turned out as Sydney piled on the misery after the break.
A further five tries were scored by the Roosters — including two from star “Marky” Mark Nawaqanitawase on a night of celebration for the home side.
And they could be even stronger when they take on the Dolphins next weekend for a place in the grand final.
That is because coach Trent Robinson hinted before the game at the possibility of Sam Walker returning from injury.
Walker picked up the ankle problem against the Dolphins a month ago — with fears at the time it could be serious.
But Roosters head coach Trent Robinson still feels he could return for the preliminary final.
The Sydney coach said: “Another good progression this week. (He needs to) keep going.
“There’s a little bit less weight on that ankle compared to other guys in our game, so he’s progressing well.
“He’s a chance (to play next week).”
The Warriors and Knights face off in the other semi-final on Sunday for the chance to take on the Panthers in Penrith.
Originally published as NRL massacre after devastating early HIA as Dolphins learn preliminary finals opponents