Roosters captain James Tedesco has hailed his team’s unexpected 38-32 win over the Panthers as the proudest moment of his NRL career. The victory, which took place at Western Sydney Stadium on Friday night, was a surprising turnaround for the Roosters, especially following their substantial round-one loss to the Broncos. This victory also marked the Roosters’ first triumph over the Panthers in six seasons.
Post-match, Tedesco expressed his pride in how the Roosters, despite being understrength, managed to unite and defeat a formidable Panthers line-up. Reflecting on the match, he said, “I feel like it’s the proudest I’ve been of a win,” highlighting the resilience of his young teammates who had to step up against a side that has dominated for the past four years. He noted their cohesive execution of the game plan, stating that the 17 players “worked for each other and played footy”.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was equally impressed, noting how the team rebounded from the previous week’s heavy defeat. He praised the players for their belief in the team’s game plan and each other, saying it felt rewarding to see their execution of the strategy. Robinson credited the senior members of the team for fostering trust and confidence among the less experienced players, emphasising that such growth doesn’t happen overnight.
Despite an early-season setback, the Roosters proved their potential, as Tedesco challenged critics who quickly judged the team’s performance based on a single match. He stressed the importance of maintaining belief and building on this recent success for the remainder of the season.
In contrast, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary admitted that his team failed to perform, suggesting the defeat stemmed from underlying issues prior to the match. He remarked, “That game was lost before we got here,” underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports and the thrill of upsets.
Overall, the Roosters’ triumph not only boosts their confidence but also signals the potential for an evolving season, as they look to build on this crucial win.