The wash-up: Pauga send-off takes shine off most polished performance yet by Roosters
By Adrian Proszenko
After being on the end of one of the best tackles of the season, Junior Pauga was sent off for producing one of the ugliest.
There was much to like about this Roosters’ performance, their most complete of the season on Saturday night in Gosford as they ran out 26-8 winners. Sam Walker showcased his sublime short-kicking game, finishing with four try assists. Brandon Smith, seemingly on the outer at Bondi Junction, provided a timely reminder of why the Roosters paid so handsomely for his services. It was all made possible by the work up front from Jared Warea-Hargreaves and Terrell May, who dominated a Canterbury pack that has punched above its weight this season.
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However, Pauga was on the wrong end of two moments, personal lowlights that will make highlight reels over weekend.
The first came when he was the victim of a bell-ringer from Bulldogs counterpart Jeral Skelton. The former rugby back, who also scored a spectacular runaway try, absolutely folded Pauga.
It was the type of hit that another Rooster, Joseph Suaalii, attempted to put on Reece Walsh in his State of Origin debut. However, Skelton got his timing and technique spot on to make his mark.
Pauga, to his credit, rose to his feet, albeit in a sheepish fashion after having his ribs rattled.
In the dying moments, Pauga attempted to dispense his own form of retribution on Connor Tracey and missed the mark. It was a classic coathanger tackle that ended both their nights.
Junior Pauga is sent off by Grant Atkins.Getty Images
“It wasn’t good, obviously,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said. “It’s not great to see a player go off like that. It was tough, we don’t want that – either side – in our game. It was disappointing.
“He’s suffering a bit in there, Junior.”
A concussed Tracey required assistance to leave Industree Group Stadium. Medicos, and the match-review committee, will almost certainly ensure neither plays next week.
“He’s not well,” Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo said. “I’m disappointed we’re going to lose him for next week.”
Bulldogs teammate Reed Mahoney, who finished with a game-high 58 tackles, added: “Especially when he’s in your own team, it’s hard to sit there and watch.
“That goes for any player in the NRL, you don’t want to see anyone come off or be hit like that. But he’s doing all right.”
Skelton has had to be patient since making the switch from the 15-man game; this was just his fourth appearance of the season. He ensured he left his mark.
“He’s been working away in the shadows for a long time, Jeral,” Ciraldo said. “He’s a really good guy, a good clubman to have around. He deserved his opportunity tonight, he showed what he can do with the ball when he carries it.
“That hit he put on is something he has been really working hard on. It was good to see him get a crack in the top grade.”
Robinson described the game of Smith, who was dropped last week over a disciplinary issue, as “outstanding”.
“Outstanding defensive pressures there and then really good rolling of the ruck, I felt we opened their ruck up the longer the first half went,” Robinson said.
“He was really strong in his carries and then obviously a really important [40-20] kick that he can do. Great game.”
We’re covering the day’s final game on our other live blog as the resurgent Rabbitohs take on a severely weakened Sea Eagles side.
“These teams kicked off their 2024 campaigns against each other, with Manly prevailing 36-24 in Las Vegas.
“But that Sea Eagles side featured several big names who won’t be there tonight though – Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu, Reuben Garrick, among others – which shows why the Rabbitohs are short-priced favourites.”
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Pauga sent off
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73 mins: Junior Pauga was on the receiving end of THAT hit from Skelton in the first half. Well he’s just tried one himself on Connor Tracey – and failed miserably. He’s sent off for a swinging arm to the head. That’s his night over. No arguments from the Roosters. Sadly, it’s the end of Tracey’s involvement, too. He trudges off the field.
67 mins: Sam Walker with another big hand in a Roosters try. It’s Blake Steep who crosses the line, and the 19-year-old is absolutely delighted. Walker nails the conversion, and that is almost all she wrote. Roosters 26-8 Bulldogs.
64 mins: Time is running out for the Bulldogs. They need a try, fast, and frankly I can’t see where it’s going to come from. Errors at crucial times are costing them. The Roosters have got this game by the throat.