Report: NSW Cup Round 26 vs Roosters

The Tricolours were simply too sharp with ball in hand, running in nine tries on a day where veteran halfback Chad Townsend farewelled the game in style, while Magpies hooker Tristan Hope provided one of the highlights of the match for the visitors with a brilliant individual try.

The Roosters struck early through Hayden Barton, who finished off the work of playmaker Toby Rodwell.

Townsend then laid on a spectacular cut-out ball for winger Trey Peni, giving the hosts a 12-0 lead inside seven minutes.

Western Suburbs responded midway through the first half when Brent Naden’s clever kick created a try for winger Charlie Staines, but the Roosters soon reasserted themselves with Barton’s second, giving them a 16-6 advantage at the break.

The Magpies roared back into the contest after the interval, scoring twice in quick succession.

Hope grubbered for himself to score a brilliant solo try before Alex Lobb climbed highest to claim a Kurt Falls bomb, giving the Magpies an 18-16 lead.

However, that would be the last joy for the visitors, as the Roosters piled on six tries in the final 25 minutes.

Barton completed his hat-trick, Makahesi Makatoa powered over for a double, and Zach Dockar-Clay, Max McCathie and Tom Rodwell all crossed as the Tricolours finished with a flourish.

The 50-18 defeat was the Magpies' last match of the season as they missed the finals, despite flashes of promise from Wests across the campaign.

Hope, Falls, and rising forward Kit Laulilii stood out once again, while youth like Pheonix Godinet and Christian Taupau-Moors have gained valuable experience at NSW Cup level in recent weeks.

For the Roosters, it was a fitting send-off for Townsend, who signed off on his career with a dominant victory, guiding his team with poise and skill to a convincing win.

Roosters 50 (Barton 3, Makatoa 2, Peni, Tom Rodwell, Dockar-Clay, McCathie tries; Tob. Rodwell 7/9 goals) defeated Magpies 18 (Staines, Hope, Lobb tries; Falls 3/3 goals) at Wentworth Park.