The Mole’s player ratings: ‘All-or-nothing’ gamble that sealed loss for Roosters
Once again the Panthers are off to another preliminary final after nailing the clutch moments at CommBank Stadium.
The Roosters will now lick their wounds and play the Sharks at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Victor Radley and Dylan Edwards. Getty Images
Nine.com.au’s The Mole has rated every player from the Roosters and Panthers.
1. Dylan Edwards
Probably the difference between two very good teams – made more run metres than any player on the field and scored a great solo try.
Rating: 9
2. Thomas Jenkins
Ran for 170-plus metres – but mainly from deep inside his own territory. Had few chances to score in a tough, defence-based game.
Rating: 7
18. Blaize Talagi
A late inclusion. Did a fine job in defence and running his team out of trouble.
Rating: 7
4. Casey McLean
Had his hands full marking the dangerous Robert Toia and was closely watched when he had the ball.
Rating: 6
5. Brian To'o
Brian To’o. Getty Images
Strong carries helped the Panthers get field position, then scored the try that sealed the win.
Rating: 7.5
6. Jack Cole
Targeted by the Roosters’ big men in defence, he made 28 tackles but did miss five. Took pressure off Nathan Cleary with his game management.
Rating: 7
7. Nathan Cleary
Nathan Cleary. Getty Images
A mixed bag but much more good than bad. Two try assists. The vital field goal. THAT sin bin. Clearly struggled with a bung leg in the latter stages.
Rating: 8
8. Moses Leota
Made a couple of handling errors but strong up the middle, leading the Panthers pack well.
Rating: 7.5
9. Mitch Kenny
Defended stoutly but again showed little in attack. Zero runs for zero metres!
Rating: 5
16. Liam Henry
Rattled the Roosters with his hitting power. Will be sorely missed next season.
Rating: 6.5
11. Isaiah Papali'i
Worried the Roosters with his wide running and did plenty of good work in defence.
Rating: 7
12. Liam Martin
Big-game player really stood up – scored the opening try and topped the tackle count. Back to his best in recent weeks.
Rating: 8
10. Lindsay Smith
Never far off the ball in attack and defence – his sole black mark the unlucky intercept to Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Rating: 6
13. Isaah Yeo
Entered the game after 25 minutes and lifted the Panthers’ intensity with his ball play and leadership.
Rating: 7
Isaah Yeo. Getty Images
15. Scott Sorensen
Solid without doing anything that stood out when he got his chance from the bench.
Rating: 5
17. Billy Phillips
The Panthers see a huge future for this kid and his 42 minutes had plenty of impact.
Rating: 6
19. Billy Scott
Only got eight minutes late in the game but made no errors in the pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Rating: 3
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
Shaded by Edwards … but only just. A fine display with some strong runs and a try assist for Toia.
Rating: 8
2. Daniel Tupou
For some reason, the Panthers kept kicking bombs to him, and he defused them all game with few problems.
Rating: 7
3. Billy Smith
Unfortunate to give away a few penalties for high shots on players falling in front of him but otherwise OK.
Rating: 6.5
4. Robert Toia
The best centre on the park, scoring a determined try and making two line breaks.
Rating: 8
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Never fails to produce the spectacular and was at it again, scoring a remarkable juggling intercept try.
Rating: 7.5
6. Hugo Savala
His booming kicking game pinned the Panthers in their own half for long periods but he was unlucky to throw the all-or-nothing pass that saw To’o seal the game.
Rating: 7
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
His big-game experience proved handy but missed a ‘sitter’ field goal shot that would have tied up the scores late in the game.
Rating: 6
8. Naufahu Whyte
The Roosters’ best impact forward all year. Led the big men in yardage in a strong display.
Rating: 8
9. Reece Robson
Strong as always in defence but like his opposite number, gave little out of dummy-half.
Rating: 6.5
10. Lindsay Collins
An injured leg resulted in a quiet game, making just nine runs for 61 metres.
Rating: 5
11. Egan Butcher
Brought in for the injured Angus Crichton but sadly copped an early knock and failed his HIA.
Rating: 2
12. Siua Wong
Overcame a heavy hit to the ribs to top the tackle count with 53 ... but also had six misses.
Rating: 6
13. Victor Radley
Didn’t get too involved but managed to get through the game without conceding a penalty for ill discipline.
Rating: 6
14. Salesi Foketi
Added some oomph from the bench before missing the vital last 10 minutes due to a HIA.
Rating: 5
15. Connor Watson
Livewire utility added energy when he got his chance off the bench, bringing spark to the attack.
Rating: 6.5
16. Spencer Leniu
Spencer Leniu. Getty Images
Still somewhat in the naughty corner after his ill discipline last week, only got 26 minutes and did little.
Rating: 4.5
18. Nat Butcher
The Roosters’ most effective bench player, running for 125 metres and bringing energy to the table.
Rating: 7
