Late replacement Matt Ikuvalu has emerged as the unlikely hero, as injury-wracked Sydney Roosters overwhelmed North Queensland Cowboys 42-16 in their NRL clash at Townsville.
The flying winger was ushered into the Roosters' playing squad just 15 minutes before kick-off, after veteran Brett Morris tweaked a groin during warm-ups.
With his side trailling 6-0, Ikuvalu struck just after half an hour to help draw level, before securing his hat-trick with two tries in rapid succession early in the second half.
As the two-time defending champions continued to pile on points, Ikuvalu popped up again for his four and fifth to become the club's first five-time scorer since 1955.
Morris' withdrawal further tested a Roosters depth chart that has already seen Victor Radley and Sam Verrills (knees) sidelined for the season, with captain Boyd Cordner (rested), Kiwis forward Isaac Liu (broken rib) and winger Daniel Tupou (ankle) missing from the line-up this week.
They also lost hooker Jake Friend to concussion during the match, but the result propels them to third on the NRL table.
"Every team has a group of guys fighting tooth and nail to perform," reflects coach Trent Robinson.
"They don't get to do that - they've just got to train really hard and may not play this year - or they may get the call-up 20 minutes before kick-off to perform.
"I really like the depth of squads and I think you will see that at different times."
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