The Canberra Raiders produced a high-quality first-half display before resting their stars in the second half as the Roosters claimed a 26-20 win at Seiffert Oval.
The Roosters opened the scoring after Drew Hutchinson was afforded enough time to place to kick perfectly for second rower Sitili Tupouniua.
The Raiders hit back as Josh Papalii showed his class as he managed to offload to Josh Hodgson who showed no signs of discomfort as he darted through the middle of the field. The hooker passed to George Williams who was tackled close to the line.
With the Roosters defence in disarray, the Raiders moved the ball out right and Hudson Young – who is likely to start in round one in the vacant second row place – scored.
Faced with a wide conversion, George Williams, who was kicking in place of the injured Jarrod Croker, missed.
Seb Kris looked sharp having been given the start at left centre and a good run and quickly play the ball set up the second try for the Raiders. Josh Hodgson sensed an opportunity and put Joe Tapine over for a try.
Jack Wighton gave the Raiders a 16-6 lead as his size and footwork proved too difficult to handle before he was taken off five minutes prior to the break.
Lindsay Collins hit back for the Roosters and had another opportunity but great defence from Young saw Angus Crichton lose control of the ball over the line. The Raiders went into the sheds with a 16-10 lead.
The Raiders made nine changes at the break as the Roosters continued with a similar side that played the first half.
The Roosters were first to score in the second half as Sam Walker scored on the back of a frenetic passage of play.
Daniel Tupou gave the Roosters the lead as he latched onto a grubber before Tedesco also scored.
With 20 minutes remaining, the Roosters started resting the majority of their stars but Angus Crichton went close to try that was ruled out for obstruction.
Albert Hopoate brought the Raiders to within six points as he scored in the corner after Caleb Aekins and Matt Timoko linked up.
Corey Horsburgh was put on report late in the match as the Roosters claimed the win.
Sydney Roosters 26 (Tries: Tupouniua, Walker, Tupou, Tedesco; Goals: Taukeiaho 2, Tedesco) d Canberra Raiders 20 (Tries: Young, Tapine, Wighton, Hopoate; Goals: G Williams)
