Roosters find edge

NRL ROUND 7

THE Sydney Roosters have produced their best defensive effort in two years with a 6-0 shut-out of Canterbury in their Round 7 NRL clash.

Less than a week after a disappointing loss to arch-rival South Sydney, the pre-season favourites responded by turning away a Bulldogs side 52 times inside their opposition 20-metre zone.

While the Roosters’ attack remains a work in progress — Latrell Mitchell’s fifth-minute try was the only difference — coach Trent Robinson will be buoyed by his team’s renewed commitment in defence.

Last night at ANZ Stadium, the Bulldogs’ lack of execution was exposed when they had seven of nine sets on the Roosters’ line in a 10-minute second-half period. The playthe-ball count inside the opposition red zone ended 52-14 in the Bulldogs’ favour.

But, led by Ryan Matter-

Warriors v Dragons, Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm; Broncos v Storm, Suncorp Stadium, 7.50pm.

Rabbitohs v Raiders, Central Coast Stadium, 3pm; Wests Tigers v Knights, Scully Park, Tamworth, 5.30pm; Cowboys v Titans, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.30pm.

Eels v Sea Eagles, ANZ Stadium, 2pm; Sharks v Panthers, Southern Cross Group Stadium, 4.10pm. son’s game-high 52 tackles, the Roosters held firm to stay within touch of the top four, whereas the Bulldogs remain rooted in third-last spot a quarter of the way through the season. SYDNEY ROOSTERS 6 (Mitchell try, Mitchell goal) d CANTERBURY 0 at ANZ Stadium. Crowd: 11,309.