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Roosters on song early versus Cowboys in emotional scenes at the SCG as both NRL clubs pay tribute to the late Paul Green
- Trent Robinson’s Roosters surged to a 10-0 lead in first half versus Cowboys
- North Queensland responded late in the first half with try to Murray Taulagi
- Both NRL clubs paid their respects to Paul Green pre-game in stirring scenes
- Green, 49, died suddenly on Thursday, had ties to both clubs across his career
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The Roosters started all guns blazing versus the Cowboys on Saturday afternoon at the Sydney Cricket Ground as they continue to build momentum before the semi-finals.
In moving scenes pre-game, both NRL squads paid their respects to Paul Green, who died suddenly this week in Brisbane.
Green, 49, guided North Queensland to their first – and only – NRL premiership in 2015, and his shock passing rocked the sport.
The Cowboys in a pre-game huddle as they remember former club coach Paul Green
Joseph Manu of the Roosters (left) is tackled by Chad Townsend of the Cowboys
Gun winger Joseph Suaalii gave the Tricolours the perfect start in just the third minute
Prop Matt Lodge then doubled the Roosters lead in the 14th minute at the SCG
He also played for the Roosters and coached the Tricolours NYC team in 2013, as well as helping Trent Robinson land the title in his first season in charge.
Gun winger Joseph Suaalii crossed in just the third minute following a double pump from Victor Radley and prop Matt Lodge then found the stripe after running onto a crisp ball from Nat Butcher.
The Cowboys responded before halftime with a four pointer from winger Murray Taualgi, with Val Holmes nailing the conversion – only to see the hosts wrestle back control with a late effort from Daniel Tupou and a 14-6 lead at the break.
Pre-game Cowboys coach Todd Payten said his team will look to honour Green by performing as a unit.
‘We need to start well and try and limit their threats,’ he said.
‘Teddy (James Tedesco) is always a danger, we need to on red-alert for him.
‘We are feeling for the Green family and the guys are keen to play well.’