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“It could have been 70”: Greg Alexander calls out Roosters after dismal opening performance
Nicholas Quinlan • March 7th, 2025 10:54 am
Greg Alexander has called out the Sydney Roosters for their Thursday night performance against the Brisbane Broncos to open their season.
The Roosters were beaten comprehensively in their season opener by the Broncos, going down 50-14 at Allianz Stadium.
This result is officially the biggest loss that the Roosters have had against the Broncos. It is also the first time since 2021 that they have conceded 50 or more points in a match.
On SEN’s Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy, Alexander believed that the weather and the poor field conditions at Allianz helped saved the depleted Roosters from suffering an even bigger defeat.
“It could have been 70,” Alexander declared
“We had a couple of passing showers, it was an ice-skating rink and there was grass being dug up every time a player stepped or tried to stop and lost their footing.
“But you know what? That played into the hands of the Roosters.
“If it was a dry track, if that was Allegiant Stadium (in Las Vegas), it could have been 70.
“There were periods in that game and the Roosters had to be first to score and that made a game of it for 20 minutes, but the Broncos were just far too good.”
Despite Dom Young scoring the opening try for the Tricolours in the sixth minute, Brisbane completely dominated, particularly with their running game as they exposed Roosters’ defence to complete 10 line-breaks compared to Sydney’s three.
While Alexander recognised that the Roosters were not at full strength due to a varying range of reasons, he believes it may be too late for these players to have an impact on the Roosters’ season when they get back within the squad.
“I know it is Round 1, so let’s not get super critical of the Roosters because they were missing some players, the Butcher brothers (injuries), Spencer Leniu (suspension) there’s players to come back in,” he added.
“The talk around Sam Walker and Brandon Smith, forget it. The season will be over before they come back.”
Alongside those previously mentioned, the Roosters will be without star Victor Radley for at least next week’s match against the Panthers.
He was taken off during the first half after a head collision with teammate James Tedesco resulting in concussion.
The Roosters will play the Penrith Panthers next Friday at 8pm when they travel to CommBank Stadium for their Round 2 clash.
