Roosters suffer more misery in Bulldogs defeat

Canterbury Bulldogs moved into the NRL top four on Thursday as their 24-20 victory inflicted more misery on the Sydney Roosters.

The Bulldogs had trailed 12-0 after 24 minutes at the Allianz Stadium, but they were not to be denied a third win in a row for the first time this season as Curtis Rona, Josh Jackson and Brett Morris all crossed the whitewash.

Jackson and Morris made the difference for the Bulldogs in the second 40 – the latter scoring his second on the hour – leaving their hosts to contemplate a 12th defeat of the campaign.

The Roosters defied their lowly standing in the table with an energetic start, breaking through the Bulldogs' line on a number of occasions as Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell both touched down.

Sio Siua Taukeiaho kicked both conversions but they were made to rue a fumble from Mitchell with the line in sight as the Bulldogs rallied.

Rona pulled one back after more errors from the Roosters, before Morris scored his first after a fine pass from his brother Josh. Moses Mbye added the extras for the visitors to leave the match tied 12-12 at the break.

The Roosters moved back ahead thanks to Jackson Hastings' penalty, but two tries in four minutes secured Canterbury's win.

Jackson put the visitors ahead for the first time after 56 minutes with a drive from close range - although controversy surrounded the score as he appeared to be helped getting the ball down having been held up.

It mattered little in the end, though, as Brett Morris added his second with 20 minutes to play, Mbye slotting the kick to give him four from four.

They needed to hold on, though, as Sydney finished well. Blake Ferguson's disallowed try for a forward pass proving crucial as Tupou got the Roosters within four late on, but they could not complete the turnaround.