Sandon Smith Delivers a Masterclass as ‘Unyielding’ Roosters Overwhelm Dragons

An outstanding attacking performance from Sandon Smith was overshadowed by a spell in the sin bin as the Roosters triumphed over the Dragons 46-18 in the traditional Anzac Day showdown.

Smith’s high tackle on Dragons halfback Lachlan Ilias was initially overlooked by on-field referee Todd Smith, but the Bunker intervened.

The contact was deemed direct and of moderate force, leading to Smith being placed on report and subsequently sin binned.

“The standout performer is now off to the sin bin,” remarked Nine’s commentator Mat Thompson.

“That’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” Phil Gould chimed in.

Despite their numerical advantage, the Dragons struggled to breach the Roosters’ defence and were forced to retreat as the Roosters cleared the ball effortlessly.

The home side seized an opportunity to add two points when Ilias was penalised for late contact on Hugo Savala.

Meanwhile, Blake Steep was keen to enhance the Roosters’ tally, skillfully drawing Clint Gutherson out of position to score a remarkable try.

“Where did that speed come from? Or that dummy? I’ve never seen anyone more deserving of a try,” commented Brad Fittler.

Earlier this season, Steep’s father had a heart attack while they were fishing, but Steep managed to get him back to shore where he received immediate medical attention.

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The Dragons fought hard to narrow the gap through Kyle Flanagan, who dashed over the line following some brilliant play by Valentine Holmes.

However, Smith’s return proved pivotal as he expertly set up two tries for James Tedesco.

“He never ever gives up,” Thompson stated about Tedesco.

Gould added, “He is absolutely relentless.”

Tyrell Sloan got the Dragons on the scoreboard in the 73rd minute, before Savala capped off his night with a second try just before full-time, ending the match at 44-18.

“It’s going to be a big night in the Eastern suburbs tonight,” remarked Fittler.

“Everyone’s smiling.”

It didn’t take long for the match to spark with a scuffle between Victor Radley and David Klemmer erupting just a minute into the game.

Smith opened the scoring shortly after, followed by Sione Finau who sprinted 80 metres for his first career try, levelling the scores.

The 22-year-old Smith then set up Mark Nawaqanitawase with a corner try, with the rugby convert shaking off two defenders in the process.

“Nearly unstoppable there,” said Gould regarding Nawaqanitawase.

“Look at Smith grow as a playmaker,” Andrew Johns remarked.

Smith added to his tally shortly after, slicing through the Dragons defence on a 50-metre run to catch them off guard.