ALTONA Roosters were blown off the park in the first half of a 44-18 loss to North West Wolves in Victorian Rugby League first grade at Loft Reserve on Sunday.
The Roosters conceded the opening 24 points and former Rooster Kingi Kani was at the forefront of the carnage with a best-afield performance against his old club.
Roosters coach Mike Hurinui said his side suffered a bit of “stage fright” en route to its second loss in as many games.
“It was a game of two halves. The 24-point head start didn’t help. We played a lot better in the second half to make it a bit more interesting.
“Their size was intimidating and only in the second half did our boys front up a bit.”
The Roosters’ kicking game was almost non-existent. Possession was given away far too easily and without the desired territorial advantage.
Hurinui lamented his side’s failure to “turn around” the Wolves forwards and make them tire chasing the ball.
Roosters forwards Sebastian Lagaaia, Max Strickland and Aiden Hema started to show why they are so highly rated in the chook pen with penetration up the middle, contributing to a closer second half which saw the sides split the scoreboard 14-all. It was, however, too little, too late.
With both of last year’s grand finalists in the rear view mirror, the Roosters are hoping to get back on track and mount a return to the top four.
They take to the road for a clash with the Doveton Steelers on Sunday, one of the other winless sides.
First division: Altona Roosters 18 lt North West Wolves 44. Second division: Altona Roosters 20 d North West Wolves 4. Women’s tag: Altona Roosters 12 d North West Wolves 4.
