Walker boots Roosters to thrilling victory over Titans

Young gun Sam Walker has defied a shoulder injury to score a match-winning field goal for the Sydney Roosters in a classic NRL match against Gold Coast.

The Roosters’ halfback, who spent most of the second half off the field after hurting his right shoulder, came back on the field to slot a one-pointer with just over a minute to play to secure a 35-34 win at CBUS Super Stadium.

The dramatic finish denied the Titans a historic comeback win after they had surged into the lead despite trailing 30-4 with 50 minutes gone.

Sam Walker led the Sydney Roosters to victory with a late field goal against the Gold Coast Titans Chris Hyde/Getty Images

A bizarre try to co-captain Jamal Fogarty sparked the hosts to a five-try blitz to get them four points ahead with eight minutes to play.

Fogarty scored his second try of the game with some smart play, taking a quick tap off a penalty in the 55th minute and running past a Roosters’ trainer in the defensive line to race clear and score.

When Ben Marschke was sin-binned moments later for a late high-shot on Fogarty the game turned completely on its head.

Tyrone Peachey, Brian Kelly and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui all scored tries while Marschke was off the field to reduce the margin to just two points.

Sydney Roosters’ Lachlan Lam makes a break against the Gold Coast Titans Chris Hyde/Getty Images

In the 72nd minute, Kevin Proctor charged on to a grubber kick to put the Titans ahead and spark wild celebrations.

Those celebrations didn’t last long however with the Roosters hitting back in the 76th minute via a brilliant acrobatic finish from Matt Ikuvalu to level the scores at 34-all.

With regular kicker Adam Keighran on the bench, Walker attempted the match-winning conversion from the sideline but missed.

The 18-year-old didn’t make any mistake just a couple of minutes later however when a Fogarty error gave the Roosters field position and Walker slotted the match-winner.

Love the NRL? Australian users can personalise their ESPN experience by downloading the App. Get live scores, news and videos ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.

• Download ESPN from Google Play Store• Download ESPN from iTunes App Store• Get NRL news and more in your inbox• Head to ESPN’s Home of Rugby League• Review: 2020 Rugby League season

DOWNLOAD

The dramatic finish looked highly unlikely after five tries inside 49 minutes had put the Roosters 26 points clear and seemingly on their way to a huge win.

With NSW Origin captain James Tedesco a late scratching due to a hip issue, it was the Roosters’ generation next who starred with Walker, Lachlan Lam and Joseph Suaalii all vital in the visitors’ explosive start.

Suaalii set up the opener for Ikuvalu before Angus Crichton and Daniel Tupou tries gave the Roosters an 18-0 lead.

Gold Coast were twice held up over the line before Fogarty scored right on the siren to give the hosts’ hope only for Walker and the influential Joseph Manu to blow out the score again.

As well as Marschke, New Zealand international Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Angus Crichton were both placed on report for high tackles while Isaac Liu was also placed on report for a first-half crusher tackle on Fa’asuamaleaui.

For the Titans, Proctor was placed on report for a first-half high shot on Manu.