The best is yet to come for 2024 NRLW premiers Sydney Roosters, according to gun halfback Jocelyn Kelleher.
John Strange’s Roosters held on in Round 3 to beat Brisbane Broncos 30-26 in a top-of-the-table clash that had it all, including a fast start from the Roosters, a Tamika-Upton double for the Broncos and a final 10 minutes that had everyone on their toes.
Jocelyn Kelleher in action for the Roosters.
©Chloe Davis / NRL Images
“It was a bit stressful going into it, but we just had to stick to our own game and it worked out for us,” Kelleher said.
“We just stuck to what we do best and tried not to focus too much on them, but stick to our game plan and – Strangey is pretty magical – so we stuck to what he said and it worked.”
Kelleher, who has stepped into the void of injured halfback Tarryn Aiken after pairing with the Golden Boot winner in the halves last year, said the message from Strange was simple.
“It was our defence is key and if we stick together, then they won’t get through us,” Kelleher said.
599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>
Up Next
/
Replay
Play Next
Jocelyn Kelleher Successful Conversion
Kelleher, whose kicking game proved the difference in the clash, kicking five from five conversions, said aside from the “Strangey magic”, it took a team effort to get the job done.
“(Isabelle Kelly) is always solid for us… such a strong carrier of the ball,” Kelleher said, adding her side had good momentum following the three quick tries in the first 11 minutes of the game.
“We kind of got a roll from that, but we let them in a bit in the second half, so not good, but we should fix that for next week.
“We just need to keep working on us. I said before the game to someone else that we’re not at our best yet and we just keep improving every week and fixing all the little things we do wrong.
“We’ve still got a lot to improve on, which is exciting for us.”
Strange said he was pleased with his side’s efforts – with his players showing plenty of character in what was always going to be a tough game. With another tough game coming up against the Bulldogs in Round 4, their progress had been positive.
“It was always going to be a good game,” Strange said.
“I said to the girls I’m really happy with their character… obviously from a footy point of view, we’ve got a few things to build on… it’s Round 3, as the Broncos will and everyone else (in the competition) will.
“But just the character that’s amongst these girls, I never, ever doubted that.
“The fact that they held on with a fast-finishing Broncos at home here, there’s no surprise to me, so (I am) really happy.”