The Roosters defeated the Bulldogs 32-28 in a tug o’ war at AllianzStadium in Round 21 last year.
The tricolours overcame a poor completion rate (just 64 percent) to edge home against an opponent who were their own worst enemies, with astaggering 49 missed tackles cruelling the Bulldogs’ chances on the night.
The blue-and-whites were first to strike in the 13thminute when Ben Barba fielded an attacking grubber in front of his goalpostsand raced 98 metres to score against the run of play.
BJ Leilua and Aidan Guerra crossed within the space of 180seconds to secure the Roosters a 10-6 lead after 23 minutes, before Tim Lafaiscored a stunning, sidestep-filled solo try to wrench the lead back for the’Dogs with 32 minutes gone.
However, the Roosters struck back immediately, with Guerra catchinga Braith Anasta bomb for a 16-12 lead they would take to halftime.
Nate Myles extended the advantage with a simple barge overin the 46th minute before back-to-back tries to Steve Turner (52ndminute) and Joel Romelo (59th minute) saw the visitors seize a 24-22lead.
A Roosters penalty goal drew the sides level in the 63rdminute before Sam Perrett crossed in the right corner for a try that wasconverted for a 30-24 lead. Another penalty goal edged the Roosters out to an eight-pointadvantage with eight minutes remaining.
Jonathan Wright scored off a Ben Barba grubber with threeminutes on the clock to give Bulldogs fans a glimmer of hope, but when SteveTurner’s conversion was waved away, their challenge was spent.
