The team permiership giants must fear

The Roosters have served notice that they are the team big guns Storm and Panthers most have to fear in the lead-up to the finals. Trent Robinson's globetrotters cruised to a 48-22 win over the unpredictable Titans on Sunday afternoon, scoring some spectacular tries in the process. And they did it despite setbacks. Sin bin king Jared Waerea-Hargreaves again spent time in the naughty corner. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii went off early with an arm injury and his centre partner Joey Manu could barely get into the game - the pair making just 10 runs between them. Despite the problems, the Roosters were superb. Angus Crichton, in career-best form, bagged a hat trick and Sam Walker's scheming created try after try. It was a clear shot across the bows of Penrith and Melbourne - and you can bet they took notice.

Roosters big improver running riot

There are few more improved players in the NRL this season than Roosters back-rower Sitili Tupouniua. With the Roosters down on troops, Tupouniua has really come to the fore and was outstanding in the splendid win against the Eels on Thursday night. The rangy back-rower is having a field day running off playmakers Sam Walker and James Tedesco and bagged his fifth try in four games against a bitterly disappointing Eels outfit. Tupouniua has now scored 11 tries for the year - remarkable considering his career tally was just six tries in 36 games coming into 2021. Only one forward has scored more meat pies than him so far this season - Titans colossus David Fifita.