The Roosters’ premiership hopes will hinge on Sam Walker’s ankle after the superstar halfback limped off in the second half of their game against the Dolphins.
Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Walker had to be helped from the field by trainers after his left foot was trapped awkwardly in a tackle by Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the 26-12 loss at Allianz Stadium.
The incident wasn’t penalised for a hip-drop tackle but could be one of the biggest moments of the season if the crafty halfback has done serious damage.
The Maroons rookie will require scans which will determine how long he’s sidelined, with the Roosters praying that the damage isn’t significant given the finals start in two weeks.
It is understood to be a syndesmosis injury for Walker. It’s a cruel blow for the playmaker who will attract monster offers if he hits the market on November 1.
The Roosters desperately need him on the field, with their top-four hopes now in jeopardy after losing back-to-back games at home.
Hugo Savala replaced him in the halves and will partner veteran Daly Cherry-Evans in the finals if Walker is ruled out long term.
The Roosters will be hoping that try-scoring machine Daniel Tupou returns from a shoulder injury before the finals which would allow Billy Smith to move to left centre to replace Savala.
There could be more concerns with NSW hooker Reece Robson coming off in the final minute.
Chooks crisis? Sam Walker leaves injured | 00:42
DOUBLE TROUBLE
The Dolphins have all but secured a maiden top-four finish, but they could head into the finals without a couple of key forwards.
Kurt Donoghoe has been enormous for them off the bench this season but he faces a very nervous wait for the charges to drop after he collected James Tedesco in the head with his shoulder.
The incident somehow didn’t lead to a sin bin, with teammates Tom Flegler and Morgan Knowles both given their marching orders in a hectic seven-minute stretch late in the game.
Knowles was sent to the bin for an ugly tackle on Robert Toia, while Flegler was punished for repeated infringements, with the Queensland forward also on report for a crusher tackle.
‘It’s a penalty you f****** idiot!’ | 00:29
COOKED CHOOKS
The Roosters were just about premiership favourites when they knocked off Penrith a few weeks ago, but there’s an outside chance that they miss the top four.
Last week’s loss to the Wests Tigers was inexplicable but would have been forgotten if they’d bounced back against a fellow heavyweight.
But Saturday night exposed a stack of flaws on the eve of the finals that will worry coach Trent Robinson.
They started well with the returning James Tedesco setting up Robert Toia for the opening try of the evening, but they hardly fired a shot until the Dolphins were reduced to 11 men.
The home fans sniffed a comeback when Salesi Foketi scored, but any hopes of a miracle disappeared moments later when Tommy Talau made a huge break and then passed to Savala who dropped it cold with the line wide open.
They must now beat the Rabbitohs to clinch their spot in the top four, with a loss opening the door for the Sharks to leapfrog them in the final round.
Farnworth out leaps Tedesco for Dolphins | 00:23
PHINS UP
The Roosters drama overshadowed a statement performance from the visitors who have now won six on the trot and look like they can beat anyone.
Kodi Nikorima was fantastic again with a couple of try assists, while Selwyn Cobbo continued his dream run with a double on the left wing.
His partner in crime on that edge got the Dolphins going when Herbie Farnworth outleapt Tedesco to score, before a superb scrum move saw Cobbo touch down.
Saturday’s result sees them leapfrog the Roosters into third on for and against.
Dolphin’s lead after silky ball playing | 00:35
JUDICIARY WATCH
Tom Flegler was placed on report for a crusher tackle in the first half. He has three unrelated charges in the past 12 months.
Kurt Donoghoe was placed on report for a high tackle 10 minutes into the second half. Two high tackle charges in the past 12 months.
Morgan Knowles was sin binned and placed on report for a dangerous pressure on the legs tackle late in the game. Three charges this season, including a hip drop.
STAT ATTACK (via Fox Lab)
Expected Set Points: Roosters 25.7, Dolphins 22.7
A big defensive effort from the Dolphins, especially in the second half. The Roosters finished the match with 52 percent possession, and 76 tackles to 53 in the opposition half (39-22 in the opp 20)
Six straight wins for the Dolphins to climb to third on the ladder – have lost just two games since round 9.
Consecutive losses for the Roosters for only the second time this season (Rd 11 and 13) – have slipped from 1st to 4th and can drop out of the top four with two Sharks wins and a loss to the Rabbitohs.
Selywn Cobbo scored the 16th double of his career – he has won all 16 games.
Fox Lab POTM – Another destructive attacking performance from Herbie Farnworth. He scored the Dolphins first try, and ran for over 160 metres, making six offloads.
LIVE BLOG
Follow along for the latest updates! Can’t see the blog? Click here!