Pleasing early signs for Roosters as Anthony Minichiello shows some good form
February 21, 2009 Sydney Roosters full-back Anthony Minichiello showed signs his three years of injury torment are in the past with a starring role in his side's 16-12 Foundation Cup NRL trial victory over the Wests Tigers.
Minichiello was a clear stand-out in the wet and greasy conditions at the Sydney Football Stadium, setting up one try and scoring another himself before sitting out the final 30 minutes of play.
The former Test custodian, who has played just 25 games in three years due to spinal injuries, showed glimpses of his best by barging over Tigers half-back Benji Marshall to score in the 51st minute for a 16-6 lead.
Minichiello was also in the thick of the action when he set up a 70m try to Mitchell Pearce in the final minute of the first half.
However, replays showed Pearce grounded the ball well short of the try-line.
But as it is only a trial match, the referee could not send the decision for video review and awarded the try himself.
The Tigers appeared the better team late in the game, but could not convert try scoring opportunities into enough points.
Marshall put second-rower Willie Mataka across the line in the 67th minute to reduce the deficit to four points and set up a thrilling finale.
Taniela Tuiaki almost stole victory in the final seconds after a brilliant long pass from Marshall but the giant Tigers winger was denied a try after a head-high tackle by Ben Jones.
The win came at a cost for one of the Roosters' rising stars as rookie Rohan Ahern was stretchered off in the 32nd minute with a potentially season-ending anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.
Club officials are hopeful it is only a cartilage injury and he'll make a return in four-to-six weeks.
Roosters centre Mitchell Aubusson scored the opening try in the 26th minute after Pearce's cross-field bomb, while full-back Shannon Gallant crossed in the 35th minute for the Tigers off Marshall's grubber.
AAP
