With a man down, Trent Robinson’s Roosters were able to take an 8-6 lead early in the second elimination final.
Victor Radley was sent to the bin for a knock on Taane Milne, but not before Angus Crichton and Daniel Tupou crossed.
South wing Alex Johnston opened the scoring for the Rabbitohs just five minutes into the game.
MATCH CENTRE: Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, teams, live scores
12th MINUTE
With a man down, the Roosters scored their second try thanks to some smart work from young gun Sam Walker.
The half-back saw space out wide, curling a pass from dummy-half to find Daniel Tupou.
“Roosters are too fast for them,” Roach said.
“Sam Walker, what about the way this little boy sums it up, from the half dummy?”
“Great insight from Sam Walker,” said Fox League’s Greg Alexander.
Meanwhile, James Tedesco left the field for an HIA after a high kick from southpaw Tom Burgess.
9th MINUTE
Tensions are high in the early stages of the inter-city elimination final, with Roosters enforcer Victor Radley and Rabbitohs gun Taane Milne locked in a melee.
Referee Ashley Klein called Radley forward and gave him his marching orders after the Bunker caught a controversial punch.
The Rabbitohs escaped the penalty and now have the advantage with an extra man until the 15th minute.
“Turn up the heat, just four minutes in,” Fox League’s Andrew Voss said.
Just moments later, prolific winger Alex Johnston was able to cross down the left side of the field.
Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell combined to find Isaiah Tass who drew his man to get Johnston through untouched.
But the Roosters didn’t hold back, scoring with Angus Crichton a man down.
Drew Hutchison bounced off the tackles in left field, finding a charging Crichton who headed over.
“Down a man, the Roosters … look, when they get the full compliance of the players back, they go,” Fox League’s Steve Roach said.
PREDICTION OF THE MATCH
Just nine days ago, these bitter rivals met, with the Roosters winning 26-16.
41,000 fans gathered to watch the historic derby on opening night at the Allianz Stadium and will now return for a sudden-death final.
But with injuries to Tricolors star center Joey Manu and the return of Rabbitohs guns Damien Cook and Campbell Graham, the clash has changed its complexion.
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MATCH CENTRE: Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, teams, live scores
Cameron Murray also left the field after an ugly headbutt in the early stages of the Round 25 contest, but is likely to return to the field after a long spin.
Souths star fullback Latrell Mitchell also spoke of his disappointment at being continuously booed by Roosters fans just a week ago.
Meanwhile, Trent Robinson’s side welcome back star wingers Joseph Suaalii and Daniel Tupou through injury.
The Roosters also get a big boost with star enforcer Victor Radley stepping into the No.13 jersey after an ugly head knock in Round 24.
The Tricolors have made two late changes, with Adam Keighran leaving the team for Kevin Naqaima.
Meanwhile, Matt Lodge switches to the starting side with Siosiua Taukeiaho moving to the bench.
TEAMS
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Drew Hutchison 5. Joseph Suali 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 17. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 18. Kevin Naiqama 16. Adam Keighran
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Elias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow Cameron Murray 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Silver Havili 19. Jackson Paul 21. Michael Chee Kam
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