I think the Roosters have some great defence, but Cowboys never looked like they were trying to score. They were making fantastic meters, earning penalties, getting repeat sets. But they never really looked like they were trying to get the ball over the line, they seemed to be just waiting for it to happen. I didn't see any forwards smashing it up off the short ball or backs creating real pressure out wide. And it seemed like when Thurston or Bowen did slot the ball behind the line there were either no chasers or nobody jumping to contest. The team was just standing back waiting for somebody else to do it and it never happened.
Based on their repeat sets and possession stats they should have won that game, they need some finishing ability
Roosters on the other hand deserve all credit for an iron wall of defence. But saying that, their were some chips in the armour. Most notably the halves, and more specifically Mitchell Pearce. His poor kicking kept them out of that game, I don't think Roosters got a repeat set all night? He had a few shockers, like passing over the sideline. They wouldn't build any pressure if not for Maloney. Secondly were the forwards who didn't build any momentum. I think Roosters have some forwards like Cordner who are fantastic tacklers, and guys like SBW who are just a danger close to the line . But you could tell they were missing JWH's meter gaining ability. SBW stepped in a bit, but I think he is wasted in that role. Their bench also doesn't seem to provide the greatest impact
