Altona Roosters took their first step towards redemption with a convincing 30-10 win over Northern Thunder in the opening round of the Victorian Rugby League first grade on Saturday.
Picture gallery | VRL: Altona Roosters v Northern Thunder
The Roosters had a frustratingly long off season after missing out on last year’s finals and coach Brandon Taonoa and his players are hellbent on ensuring the finals-less season remains a rarity for the once powerhouse team of the top flight.
“We were disappointed not to make finals last year and we want to try and do better this year,” he told Star Weekly.
“I thought for our first hit out, we played well.
“There’s still got a lot of work to do, but to get over the line was a good effort by the boys.”
The Roosters were young and inexperienced as they embarked on a rebuild last season.
The side will be even younger this campaign but it still has enough talent in the line-up to be considered a finals contender.
“We’ve got a lot of new players in the team this year,” Taonoa said.
“We’ve got a bit more youth, but we’ve still got the old boys around, leading these boys through the first grade.”
Justin Bernard was the star of the show for the Roosters in their 20-point win.
The second rower was superb at both ends of the ground.
“He was outstanding in both defence and attack,” Taonoa said.
“His aggression when he runs the ball, it’s always at 110%, his defence is outstanding and his talk as well.
“We need more guys like him in the team.”
Caine Sinclair, the captain and elder statesman of the Roosters, made a fine start to the season at hooker.
Sinclair is one of four Roosters in the Victorian state training squad, along with Aiden Hema, Lutero Leota and Michael Bernard.
Winger John Hale had a debut to remember for the Roosters, benefitting from the work of the forward pack to score two tries.
Coming up
The Roosters will face the Werribee Bears on the road at Haines Drive Reserve on Saturday night at 7.30pm.
The sides will play for the Tyrel Hunt Memorial Shield for a second season after Hunt tragically passed away last year.
“It will be a big game, it’s a big rivalry, so hopefully we can get over the line this week,” Taonoa said.
“This is the second year we’re playing for the shield and we’re hoping to get it back.”
