Western Suburbs Magpies have suffered a 42-12 defeat to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 15 of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup at CommBank Stadium.
Match: Bulldogs v Magpies
Round 15 -
home Team
Bulldogs
1st Position
away Team
Magpies
11th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
While the away side was blown away by a Bailey Biondi-Odo and Matt Dufty masterclass, there were some bright spots, with James Roberts making his return from injury and proving a handful.
Junior Tupou’s solo effort though, put the first points on the board for Western Suburbs, producing a slashing run down the left edge in which he showed both strength and pace.
The teenage fullback has scored six tries in nine Knock On Effect NSW Cup games since making his debut earlier this season and departed the field in the second half in order to fulfil his role as 18th man for Wests Tigers’ Telstra Premiership outfit.
James Roberts was the Magpies' best on the day though, showing a clean pair of heels to beat Isaac Lumelume for pace and score on the right edge.
The returning centre then used his electric footwork to get in between defenders and flick a ball to Junior Pauga who produced an outstanding, acrobatic finish in the corner.
The Bulldogs made a fast start with three consecutive tries and the visitors were unable to run them down as the scoreline stretched out in the second half.
Centre James Roberts made his return from a lengthy back injury and wasted no time in creating an impact as he scored a try shortly after halftime.
The match also marked a club debut for Triston Reilly who joined Wests Tigers from NSW Waratahs last week.
The Magpies play the 9th placed Knights in two weeks' time.
