Try, try again: Collins makes a mockery of scoring droughts

In the space of four days, Lindsay Collins broke two tryscoring droughts and savoured two memorable victories for his state and club.

First up on the hard-running prop's hit parade was a maiden Origin try in his 17th appearance for the Maroons at the MCG last Wednesday. 

Then backing up for the Roosters on Sunday he started and finished a classic team try that kick-started a commanding 27-8 win over the Sharks at Allianz Stadium. 

Collins has only scored 10 tries in 140 games for the Roosters and had played through five State of Origin series without experiencing the joy of scoring before a heaving crowd. 

“The noise in Melbourne was awesome. That Origin try was a dream come true,” he said. 

“That’s all you think of when you’re a kid playing footy in the backyard that one day you’ll have that feeling, that scenario, in an Origin game. 

“I was pretty pumped about that I’ve got to say.” 

The first NRL try for 2026 was pretty special, too.

He accepted a pass from his skipper James Tedesco on the halfway line, burst through a tackle before connecting with Daly Cherry-Evans, the ball then going back to Tedesco, and finally onto Collins backing up. 

The 30-year-old front rower then sprinted the final 25 metres to score. 

“I was just pushing in support and 'Ted' gave it to me. I didn’t think I’d have the toe to get there so I gave it to Chez before it ended up back in my hands – crazy," he said.

“I was just in the right place at the right time although the timing of both is surreal.”

Seven Origin players – three for NSW and four for Queensland – backed up for the Round 16 win over the Sharks which has put the Roosters in the top four. 

Collins said there had been no bragging or ribbing going on between the Roosters teammates based on the extent of the Maroons' 44-24 victory in Game Two,

“Not really. We are all wearing the Roosters colours together,” he said. 

“I find it easy to put on my Origin hat, take that off, and put on my club hat. 

“For me – and I’m sure the other six boys – when we come back here we are Roosters.” 

The club has a quick turnaround before facing the Broncos on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium - the venue for the Origin decider 10 days later on July 8,

“Brisbane’s home for me as I grew up on the north side. It’s always a good crowd and great atmosphere at the Broncos so it will be a good little Origin appetiser," he said.

Collins says despite his heavy club and representative schedule his body feels in good shape but he could do with some more sleep. 

He and his wife Kaylah welcomed their second daughter last week. 

“It’s a bit full-on at the moment … but I’m pretty diligent with the rest and recovery," the 30-year-old said.

“Just right now I’m sort of grabbing sleep along the way.”