BRISBANE TIMES

Breaking news from Brisbane & Queensland, plus a local perspective on national, world, business and sport news. QUEENSLAND WEATHER: MID-WEEK COLD SNAP LOOMS, SNOW POSSIBLE Snow is on the cards for areas near the Queensland-NSW border this week with a cold front expected to move up from Victoria and South Australia mid-week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology QUEENSLAND OPENS 18 NEW VACCINATION HUBS FOR PEOPLE IN Queensland will open 18 new vaccination hubs for people aged 40 to 49 this weekend as the state ramps up its efforts to roll out more

COVID-19

NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD AS GOVT TOUTS HEALTH Hundreds of new hospital beds have been announced for the city of Springfield in south-east Queensland, in what the state government

touts as

ADANI LOSES BILLIONS OF LITRES OF WATER IN FEDERAL COURT Environmentalists are celebrating after the Federal Court rejected a decision that granted Adani approval to access billions of litres of water for its Carmichael coal mine in Queensland. SIX QUEENSLAND FIRE SERVICE EMPLOYEES STOOD DOWN, CCC TO Six Queensland Fire and Emergency Service employees have been stood down and their matters have been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission to investigate. WHILE QUEENSLAND LOCKS UP MORE ADDICTS, DRUG USE HAS INCREASED The report found the use of alcohol and tobacco fell in Queensland between 2001 and 2016 while the use of illicit drugs increased over the same period, excluding cannabis. The 516-page report QUEENSLAND TATTOO LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CRACK DOWN ON Tattoo ink that could cause cancer would be banned in Queensland under laws introduced by the state government. In a crackdown, the laws introduced to State Parliament by RETIRED JUDGE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST MANDATORY SENTENCING Retired judge John Robertson, the chair of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, said it was actually mandatory sentencing that led to injustice. "It leads to injustice because its FULL HORROR OF NEERKOL ORPHANAGE REVEALED AT HEARING The experiences of children at the Neerkol orphanage as told by former residents at the child abuse royal commission. A 67-year-old woman

said

BRISBANE TIMES

Breaking news from Brisbane & Queensland, plus a local perspective on national, world, business and sport news. QUEENSLAND WEATHER: MID-WEEK COLD SNAP LOOMS, SNOW POSSIBLE Snow is on the cards for areas near the Queensland-NSW border this week with a cold front expected to move up from Victoria and South Australia mid-week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology QUEENSLAND OPENS 18 NEW VACCINATION HUBS FOR PEOPLE IN Queensland will open 18 new vaccination hubs for people aged 40 to 49 this weekend as the state ramps up its efforts to roll out more

COVID-19

NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD AS GOVT TOUTS HEALTH Hundreds of new hospital beds have been announced for the city of Springfield in south-east Queensland, in what the state government

touts as

ADANI LOSES BILLIONS OF LITRES OF WATER IN FEDERAL COURT Environmentalists are celebrating after the Federal Court rejected a decision that granted Adani approval to access billions of litres of water for its Carmichael coal mine in Queensland. SIX QUEENSLAND FIRE SERVICE EMPLOYEES STOOD DOWN, CCC TO Six Queensland Fire and Emergency Service employees have been stood down and their matters have been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission to investigate. WHILE QUEENSLAND LOCKS UP MORE ADDICTS, DRUG USE HAS INCREASED The report found the use of alcohol and tobacco fell in Queensland between 2001 and 2016 while the use of illicit drugs increased over the same period, excluding cannabis. The 516-page report QUEENSLAND TATTOO LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CRACK DOWN ON Tattoo ink that could cause cancer would be banned in Queensland under laws introduced by the state government. In a crackdown, the laws introduced to State Parliament by RETIRED JUDGE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST MANDATORY SENTENCING Retired judge John Robertson, the chair of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, said it was actually mandatory sentencing that led to injustice. "It leads to injustice because its FULL HORROR OF NEERKOL ORPHANAGE REVEALED AT HEARING The experiences of children at the Neerkol orphanage as told by former residents at the child abuse royal commission. A 67-year-old woman

said

BRISBANE | LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER, TRAFFIC, GUIDES & OPINION The latest Brisbane breaking news, events, traffic, weather and local opinion from the Brisbane Times WHERE AND HOW TO BOOK YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE IN QUEENSLAND Professor Perry said the best way to book a vaccination was to take the online eligibility quiz or call the national COVID-19 vaccine

helpline on 1800

COVID VACCINE AUSTRALIA: VACCINATE YOUNG, MOBILE ADULTS TO 1 day ago · Bad news – the same restrictions and measures we used last year to get down to 1.0 will not be enough to get more infectious Delta to 1.0. A 60 per cent reduction from 5.0 gets us to only 2.0. FACEBOOK EXPANDS WORKING FROM HOME OPTION TO ALL EMPLOYEES 14 hours ago · Facebook said it will let all employees work remotely even after the pandemic if their jobs can be done out of an office, but may reduce their pay if they move to a less-expensive area. JAPAN BACKS AUSTRALIA AGAINST CHINA’S ECONOMIC COERCION 1 day ago · Singapore: Japan has backed Australia’s campaign against China’s economic coercion, warning the superpower’s strikes have undermined the international order. The DOCTORS BANNED FROM PRESCRIBING POTENTIAL COVID-19 DRUG Doctors who prescribe an anti-malarial drug being trumpeted as a potential COVID-19 treatment face a $13,000 fine. New prescription

rules, brought

VIDEO: DUTTON WANTS MORE US TROOPS ON AUSTRALIAN SOIL 11 hours ago · Dutton wants more US troops on Australian soil Defence Minister Peter Dutton has suggested more US troops will be based in Australia as concerns of China’s threat grows. PUBLIC SERVANT TAKES QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT TO COURT OVER A Queensland public servant is in a court battle with the government department he works for after it refused to increase his pay grade to match his position. In December 3, ABC LOGO USED AT POLICE SHOOTING RANGE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1 day ago · A still from an SA Police video of an officer shooting a seized weapon. The ABC logo is in the background in blue and white. But hidden in plain sight to the officer’s left is an unusual target VIDEO: RAHM WITHDRAWAL HIGHLIGHTS 'BRAVE NEW WORLD' Jon Rahm's withdrawal due to a positive COVID-19 test highlights the 'brave new world' according to Sports Sunday.

BRISBANE TIMES

Breaking news from Brisbane & Queensland, plus a local perspective on national, world, business and sport news. QUEENSLAND WEATHER: MID-WEEK COLD SNAP LOOMS, SNOW POSSIBLE Snow is on the cards for areas near the Queensland-NSW border this week with a cold front expected to move up from Victoria and South Australia mid-week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology QUEENSLAND OPENS 18 NEW VACCINATION HUBS FOR PEOPLE IN Queensland will open 18 new vaccination hubs for people aged 40 to 49 this weekend as the state ramps up its efforts to roll out more

COVID-19

NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD AS GOVT TOUTS HEALTH Hundreds of new hospital beds have been announced for the city of Springfield in south-east Queensland, in what the state government

touts as

ADANI LOSES BILLIONS OF LITRES OF WATER IN FEDERAL COURT Environmentalists are celebrating after the Federal Court rejected a decision that granted Adani approval to access billions of litres of water for its Carmichael coal mine in Queensland. SIX QUEENSLAND FIRE SERVICE EMPLOYEES STOOD DOWN, CCC TO Six Queensland Fire and Emergency Service employees have been stood down and their matters have been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission to investigate. WHILE QUEENSLAND LOCKS UP MORE ADDICTS, DRUG USE HAS INCREASED The report found the use of alcohol and tobacco fell in Queensland between 2001 and 2016 while the use of illicit drugs increased over the same period, excluding cannabis. The 516-page report QUEENSLAND TATTOO LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CRACK DOWN ON Tattoo ink that could cause cancer would be banned in Queensland under laws introduced by the state government. In a crackdown, the laws introduced to State Parliament by RETIRED JUDGE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST MANDATORY SENTENCING Retired judge John Robertson, the chair of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, said it was actually mandatory sentencing that led to injustice. "It leads to injustice because its FULL HORROR OF NEERKOL ORPHANAGE REVEALED AT HEARING The experiences of children at the Neerkol orphanage as told by former residents at the child abuse royal commission. A 67-year-old woman

said

BRISBANE TIMES

Breaking news from Brisbane & Queensland, plus a local perspective on national, world, business and sport news. QUEENSLAND WEATHER: MID-WEEK COLD SNAP LOOMS, SNOW POSSIBLE Snow is on the cards for areas near the Queensland-NSW border this week with a cold front expected to move up from Victoria and South Australia mid-week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology QUEENSLAND OPENS 18 NEW VACCINATION HUBS FOR PEOPLE IN Queensland will open 18 new vaccination hubs for people aged 40 to 49 this weekend as the state ramps up its efforts to roll out more

COVID-19

NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD AS GOVT TOUTS HEALTH Hundreds of new hospital beds have been announced for the city of Springfield in south-east Queensland, in what the state government

touts as

ADANI LOSES BILLIONS OF LITRES OF WATER IN FEDERAL COURT Environmentalists are celebrating after the Federal Court rejected a decision that granted Adani approval to access billions of litres of water for its Carmichael coal mine in Queensland. SIX QUEENSLAND FIRE SERVICE EMPLOYEES STOOD DOWN, CCC TO Six Queensland Fire and Emergency Service employees have been stood down and their matters have been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission to investigate. WHILE QUEENSLAND LOCKS UP MORE ADDICTS, DRUG USE HAS INCREASED The report found the use of alcohol and tobacco fell in Queensland between 2001 and 2016 while the use of illicit drugs increased over the same period, excluding cannabis. The 516-page report QUEENSLAND TATTOO LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CRACK DOWN ON Tattoo ink that could cause cancer would be banned in Queensland under laws introduced by the state government. In a crackdown, the laws introduced to State Parliament by RETIRED JUDGE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST MANDATORY SENTENCING Retired judge John Robertson, the chair of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, said it was actually mandatory sentencing that led to injustice. "It leads to injustice because its FULL HORROR OF NEERKOL ORPHANAGE REVEALED AT HEARING The experiences of children at the Neerkol orphanage as told by former residents at the child abuse royal commission. A 67-year-old woman

said

BRISBANE | LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER, TRAFFIC, GUIDES & OPINION The latest Brisbane breaking news, events, traffic, weather and local opinion from the Brisbane Times COVID VACCINE AUSTRALIA: VACCINATE YOUNG, MOBILE ADULTS TO 1 day ago · Bad news – the same restrictions and measures we used last year to get down to 1.0 will not be enough to get more infectious Delta to 1.0. A 60 per cent reduction from 5.0 gets us to only 2.0. WHERE AND HOW TO BOOK YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE IN QUEENSLAND Professor Perry said the best way to book a vaccination was to take the online eligibility quiz or call the national COVID-19 vaccine

helpline on 1800

JAPAN BACKS AUSTRALIA AGAINST CHINA’S ECONOMIC COERCION 1 day ago · Singapore: Japan has backed Australia’s campaign against China’s economic coercion, warning the superpower’s strikes have undermined the international order. The VIDEO: DUTTON WANTS MORE US TROOPS ON AUSTRALIAN SOIL 5 hours ago · Dutton wants more US troops on Australian soil Defence Minister Peter Dutton has suggested more US troops will be based in Australia as concerns of China’s threat grows. FACEBOOK EXPANDS WORKING FROM HOME OPTION TO ALL EMPLOYEES 8 hours ago · Facebook said it will let all employees work remotely even after the pandemic if their jobs can be done out of an office, but may reduce their pay if they move to a less-expensive area. WA OPENS UP VACCINE ROLLOUT TO PEOPLE AGED OVER 30 West Australians aged over 30 will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccine from Thursday as the state government ramps up its rollout going further than last week’s national cabinet target. DOCTORS BANNED FROM PRESCRIBING POTENTIAL COVID-19 DRUG Doctors who prescribe an anti-malarial drug being trumpeted as a potential COVID-19 treatment face a $13,000 fine. New prescription

rules, brought

ABC LOGO USED AT POLICE SHOOTING RANGE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1 day ago · A still from an SA Police video of an officer shooting a seized weapon. The ABC logo is in the background in blue and white. But hidden in plain sight to the officer’s left is an unusual target VIDEO: RAHM WITHDRAWAL HIGHLIGHTS 'BRAVE NEW WORLD' Jon Rahm's withdrawal due to a positive COVID-19 test highlights the 'brave new world' according to Sports Sunday. BRISBANE | LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER, TRAFFIC, GUIDES & OPINION The latest Brisbane breaking news, events, traffic, weather and local opinion from the Brisbane Times QUEENSLAND OPENS 18 NEW VACCINATION HUBS FOR PEOPLE IN Queensland will open 18 new vaccination hubs for people aged 40 to 49 this weekend as the state ramps up its efforts to roll out more

COVID-19

THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AUSTRALIAN AND WORLD NEWS The coronavirus pandemic is proving to be one of the toughest challenges of our generation. Here you’ll find important news updates, clear, useful information and tips for your wellbeing through NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD AS GOVT TOUTS HEALTH Hundreds of new hospital beds have been announced for the city of Springfield in south-east Queensland, in what the state government

touts as

DEFAMATION REFORM SEEKS TO PROTECT PUBLIC INTEREST JOURNALISM Queensland will introduce a new defamation defence to protect public interest journalism and weed out trivial claims before they reach court under draft laws introduced to parliament on Tuesday. QUEENSLAND TATTOO LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CRACK DOWN ON Advertisement. Tattoo ink that could cause cancer would be banned in Queensland under laws introduced by the state government. In a

crackdown, the

'I COULD NOT THINK': HEALTH BOSS DEFENDS OFFICIAL'S OFFICE An $8000 renovation to a Queensland government office was vital because the room was so noisy officials could not think while working

on the COVID-19

FAKE PRINCE WHO STOLE $16M FROM QUEENSLAND HEALTH DEPORTED Advertisement. Queensland's fake prince, Joel Morehu-Barlow, who was imprisoned over the theft of $16 million from Queensland Health, has

been

'UNACCEPTABLE INJUSTICE': ATTORNEY-GENERAL SLAMS MANDATORY Ms D'Ath argued against mandatory sentencing while introducing Labor's child killer laws on Tuesday, sharing details of two manslaughter cases. Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath argues 'SHADES OF GREY': CALL TO SCRAP MANDATORY MURDER SENTENCES The Queensland government will be asked to consider scrapping mandatory life sentences for murderers. The Queensland Sentencing

Advisory Council on

BRISBANE | LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER, TRAFFIC, GUIDES & OPINION The latest Brisbane breaking news, events, traffic, weather and local opinion from the Brisbane Times QUEENSLAND OPENS 18 NEW VACCINATION HUBS FOR PEOPLE IN Queensland will open 18 new vaccination hubs for people aged 40 to 49 this weekend as the state ramps up its efforts to roll out more

COVID-19

THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AUSTRALIAN AND WORLD NEWS The coronavirus pandemic is proving to be one of the toughest challenges of our generation. Here you’ll find important news updates, clear, useful information and tips for your wellbeing through NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD AS GOVT TOUTS HEALTH Hundreds of new hospital beds have been announced for the city of Springfield in south-east Queensland, in what the state government

touts as

DEFAMATION REFORM SEEKS TO PROTECT PUBLIC INTEREST JOURNALISM Queensland will introduce a new defamation defence to protect public interest journalism and weed out trivial claims before they reach court under draft laws introduced to parliament on Tuesday. QUEENSLAND TATTOO LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CRACK DOWN ON Advertisement. Tattoo ink that could cause cancer would be banned in Queensland under laws introduced by the state government. In a

crackdown, the

'I COULD NOT THINK': HEALTH BOSS DEFENDS OFFICIAL'S OFFICE An $8000 renovation to a Queensland government office was vital because the room was so noisy officials could not think while working

on the COVID-19

FAKE PRINCE WHO STOLE $16M FROM QUEENSLAND HEALTH DEPORTED Advertisement. Queensland's fake prince, Joel Morehu-Barlow, who was imprisoned over the theft of $16 million from Queensland Health, has

been

'UNACCEPTABLE INJUSTICE': ATTORNEY-GENERAL SLAMS MANDATORY Ms D'Ath argued against mandatory sentencing while introducing Labor's child killer laws on Tuesday, sharing details of two manslaughter cases. Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath argues 'SHADES OF GREY': CALL TO SCRAP MANDATORY MURDER SENTENCES The Queensland government will be asked to consider scrapping mandatory life sentences for murderers. The Queensland Sentencing

Advisory Council on

THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AUSTRALIAN AND WORLD NEWS The coronavirus pandemic is proving to be one of the toughest challenges of our generation. Here you’ll find important news updates, clear, useful information and tips for your wellbeing through ALL QUEENSLAND AGED CARE WORKERS TO BE OFFERED PFIZER VACCINE All aged care workers in Queensland will be offered the Pfizer vaccine, regardless of their age. Just 11 per cent of staff in nursing homes in Australia have had a first vaccine shot, according to VIDEO: POLICE SMASH GLOBAL CRIME RING AFTER RAIDS ACROSS 21 hours ago · Police have smashed a major crime ring across Australia after arrests and property seizures were carried out as part of a global policing operation. NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD AS GOVT TOUTS HEALTH Hundreds of new hospital beds have been announced for the city of Springfield in south-east Queensland, in what the state government

touts as

VIDEO: DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER CROSS-CITY POLICE SHOOTING 21 hours ago · Driver arrested after cross-city police shooting A man has been arrested in a Westfield carpark in Sydney's inner west after police pursued a car across numerous Sydney suburbs this

morning.

WHERE AND HOW TO BOOK YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE IN QUEENSLAND Professor Perry said the best way to book a vaccination was to take the online eligibility quiz or call the national COVID-19 vaccine

helpline on 1800

VIDEO: QLDER: THE FINAL WORD 12 hours ago · Adam Jackson is joined by Wally Lewis and Sam Thaiday in Townsville ahead of the 2021 State of Origin opener. THE MEGA-MUSICAL HAMILTON DOES A GREAT DISSERVICE TO ITS Millions watch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical and assume Rachel Hamilton was a ‘whore’. Credit: AP Going back a few steps, the writer and star of the American version of the musical, Lin A POX ON BOTH THEIR FASHION HOUSES 1 day ago · Want the look? “Many moons ago when my late husband started work at the ABC mail office his mother bought him a smart and rather pricey new raincoat and matching rain hat,” recalls Kerry WHEN IT COMES TO SPONTANEOUS NETWORKING, NOTHING BEATS This reveal was mild in comparison with what happened the next day, when at lunch I discovered my dining companion was the next-door neighbour of good friends, and at 'Let's get 2020 started': Inside the Roosters' World Club Challenge

triumph

Skip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer

* Our network

*

Subscribe

Log

In

_Open_Menu

BRISBANE TIMES

Subscribe

0

items in Shortlist

BRISBANE TIMES

closeSearch Site

* Sections

* Network

* Home

* Brisbane

* Queensland

* Politics Show subsections

* Federal

* Queensland

* NSW

* Victoria

* Western Australia

* Business Show subsections

* Companies

* Markets

* The economy

* Banking & finance

* Small business

* Consumer affairs

* Workplace

* World Show subsections

* North America

* Europe

* Asia

* Middle East

* Oceania

* Central America

* South America

* Africa

* National Show subsections

* NSW

* Victoria

* Western Australia

* Opinion

* Property

* Sport Hide subsections

* NRL

* Rugby union

* AFL

* Cricket

* Soccer

* Racing

* Tennis

* Netball

* Basketball

* Motorsport

* Cycling

* Golf

* NFL

* Athletics

* Swimming

* Boxing

* Culture Show subsections

* Movies

* TV & radio

* Music

* Celebrity

* Books

* Comedy

* Dance

* Musicals

* Opera

* Theatre

* Art & design

* TV guide

* Lifestyle Show subsections * Life & relationships

* Health & wellness

* Gender

* Fashion

* Beauty

* Horoscopes

* Good Weekend

* Money Show subsections * Super & retirement

* Investing

* Banking

* Borrowing

* Saving

* Tax

* Planning & budgeting

* Insurance

* Education

* Healthcare

* Environment Show subsections

* Conservation

* Climate change

* Sustainability

* Weather

* Technology Show subsections

* Video games

* Home tech

* Phones

* Gadgets

* Drive

* Traveller

* Good Food

* Executive style

* Explainers

* Quizzes

* Weather

* The Sydney Morning Herald

* The Age

* Brisbane Times

* WAtoday

* The Australian Financial Review

* Domain

* Commercial Real Estate

* Drive

* Good Food

* Traveller

* Executive Style

* Find A Babysitter

* The Store

* Weatherzone

* RSVP

Story added to your shortlist0

close

* Shortlist

* Reading history

YOUR SHORTLIST IS EMPTY Make the most of your time by shortlisting stories you want to read

later.

Add stories to Shortlist by using the button. Select START READING to read those stories one after the other. To sync your Shortlist across devices register

or log in

REVISIT YOUR FAVOURITE STORIES Register for a free account to save and sync your reading history across all your devices.

Register now

Already have an account? Log in

Advertisement

* Sport

* NRL

* NRL 2020

'LET'S GET 2020 STARTED': INSIDE THE ROOSTERS' WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE

TRIUMPH

BY ANDREW WEBSTER

February 23, 2020 — 11.13am

*

Share on Facebook

*

Share on Twitter

* Share on Whatsapp

* Send via Email

Normal text sizeLarger text sizeVery large text size

0

Leave a comment

MANCHESTER: Here, in an ice-cold but jubilant dressing-room, Roosters coach Trent Robinson cannot be any prouder of his players.

Why wouldn’t he?

Jake Friend lifts the World Club Challenge trophy at Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.Credit:Getty They are sitting in a semi-circle with the World Club Challenge trophy placed in the middle of the room, with winners’ medallions dangling around their necks, having beaten St Helens 20-12 — a year after they defeated Wigan in

the same fixture.

There is no talk about an NRL premiership three-peat. No whispers about going back to back to back.

Advertisement

But this is where their campaign to become the first team since Jack Gibson’s Parramatta from 1981-83 to win three consecutive premierships certainly begins. “Let’s put a full stop on 2019,” Robinson tells the room, which is also packed with players, board members, staff and sponsors. “Let’s honour it by the way that we play. But let's get 2020 started. That was a good start.” Mitchell Aubusson takes the ball up for the Roosters.Credit:Getty _The Sydney Morning Herald_ was invited into the Roosters’ inner sanctum this week, from their camp in Barcelona through to the post-match celebrations in the dressing-room, and from close range it’s clear the overriding theme of Robinson’s all-conquering team

is this ...

It's about trust.

The coach doesn’t slap curfews on his players. They roamed the streets of Barcelona for days and there wasn’t a sniff of an off-field stuff up. Other clubs have used this match as pre-season piss-up. Not the Roosters. The coach also delegates to a crack team of assistant coaches, headed by Craig Fitzgibbon, who is responsible for the Bondi Wall of Defence. The coach also doesn't have to set standards. The players set them for themselves and they're dragging the rest of the club and the competition with them. Daniel Tupou scores the Roosters' opening try.Credit:Getty The Roosters came to Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens for this match against the defending Super League champions, who had lost just three matches last season, who were already a month into this year’s campaign, who were playing before a deafening home crowd of 16,000,

and still won.

They won despite the off-season departures of one of the best halfbacks of all time in Cooper Cronk, the most lethal centre in the game in Latrell Mitchell, having lost backrower-cum-centre Angus Crichton to concussion in the first half, with captain Boyd Cordner being rested ahead of an arduous season, and still managed to tackle their way to victory. The Roosters led 8-6 at half-time, and then extended early in the second half when centre Joseph Manu scored in the corner, but from then on St Helens dominated possession and field position. Time and time again, they were camped on the Roosters’ line. Time and time again, they couldn’t crack it. Frustrated and broken, St Helens fell into their own hole. Roosters prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho burst onto a short pass in his own half, steamed into the backfield and, of course, five-eighth Luke Keary was hunting up alongside him in support. The resulting try pushed the Roosters out to an unassailable lead, ensuring they clinched their fifth WCC since the concept's inception

in 1976.

“It wasn't given to us. We were on the back foot for the whole second half, but we held on with the skin of our teeth,” said Keary, who was named man of the match. When Robinson was first appointed coach in 2013, he presented to the Roosters all-powerful board. “It’s more important to save a try than score one," he wrote on a whiteboard in the boardroom. The Roosters have won three premierships, in 2013 and then 2018-19, with defence being the cornerstone. “The second half just ended up being a dogfight,” Robinson said. “With our defence, it’s a very good system. We’re well organised and everyone knows their roles and you’ve got to have good

principles.

“Then you’ve got to do it with heart. And you’ve got to love it and work hard for each other.

RELATED ARTICLE

NRL 2020

ROOSTERS CROWNED WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONS FOR RECORD FIFTH TIME

Add to shortlist

“At the start of the season when you haven’t played a game it’s got to hold up because your attack is rusty. To come and play with that much intensity in our first game and get through unscathed is

just great.

“The boys kept turning up and we got better the longer the game

went.”

After thanking his staff and chairman Nick Politis, Robinson then turned to his players. “I love watching you play,” he said. “Honestly. We haven’t played a trial … Then you go out there and you blokes are _good_. You look _strong_. You look _powerful_. You didn’t look perfect, but they were a very good opposition. You can see why they’ve been dominant for the last couple of years. They’ve got some really good footy players but you said, ‘Let’s get it on’. “It wasn’t perfect but I love watching you play. You’re physical specimens. I love the subtleties you’ve got with each other. I’m really proud of you. I’m really proud to coach you guys and watch you go out and play. We sit in the coach’s box in awe. You’ve got big hearts. That’s as big a rap that I can give you.” _Andrew Webster travelled to Europe for the World Club Challenge as a

guest of the NRL._

*

Share on Facebook

*

Share on Twitter

* Share on Whatsapp

* Send via Email

License this article

* NRL 2020

* Roosters

ANDREW WEBSTER

* Facebook

* Email

Andrew Webster is Chief Sports Writer of The Sydney Morning Herald.

Loading

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

RECOMMENDED

sportMore mature Bivouac ready for Oakleigh Platemore

sportTall

Blacks punish sloppy Boomers to claim winmore

sportRound

3 AFLW teams and tipsmore

sport'No

regrets' for Olyroos star who chose hip-hop over Tokyo 2020more From the WebsportThis time, Tuohy is ready as he chases an elusive

flagmore

sportUpbeat

Ricciardo on the pace, third fastest in Formula One testingmore

nationalMan

charged over 2012 death of Lithgow woman Jenoa Suttonmore

nationalReview

uncovers crucial error in Josh Warneke casemore

sportGoorjian

'self quarantined' in Melbourne after leaving coronavirus-hit

Chinamore

CultureA

truly great scene brings down the final curtainmore

powered by plista

JOBS BY

Basic Trainee

NSW Health Service - New England NSW Fruit Picking, Thinning, Pruning,... Everlasting Agriculture... - Western Australia

Picker and Packer

SEQ Management - Loganholme QLD

Help Wanted

Fire and Rescue NSW Leura Fire... - Leura NSW

What:

BRISBANE TIMES

* Twitter

* Facebook

* Instagram

* RSS

OUR SITES

* Brisbane Times

* The Sydney Morning Herald

* The Age

* WAtoday

* The Australian Financial Review

* Domain

* Traveller

* Good Food

* Executive Style

* The Store

* Drive

* CarAdvice

* RSVP

* Weatherzone

CLASSIFIEDS

* Tributes

* Commercial Real Estate

* Oneflare

BRISBANE TIMES

* Contact & support

* Advertise with us

* Newsletters

* Accessibility guide

* Sitemap

* Photo sales

* Content licensing

* Our events

* Work with us

* Conditions of use

* Privacy policy

* Press Council

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

* Subscription packages

* My account

* Subscriptions FAQs

Copyright © 2020

Feedback

Subscribe