Kiwis stars Joseph Manu and Brandon Smith have played critical hands in Sydney Roosters' pulsating 20-18 win over South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday.
After the Rabbutohs had shot to a 10-0 lead just five minutes into the game, Roosters coach Trent Robinson promptly called on his marquee new recruit Smith off the bench, and the livewire delivered.
From 20m out, Smith exploded out of dummy half and cut his way through the Rabbitohs' defence to cross for a trademark individual try.
Minutes later, Daniel Tupou pounced on a Luke Keary kick, before Jaxson Paulo dance danced into the corner soon after halftime to give the Roosters their first lead of the game.
Manu then made the defensive play of the season so far, sprinting back in cover defence and knocking the ball from Isaiah Tass' hands from behind, as the centre seemed in the clear and destined to score.
Paulo ran in his second try two minutes later courtesy of a deft tap pass by James Tedesco, before tempers boiled over.
Tass took exception to a high shot from Manu and several players from both sides ran over to join the scuffle, which resulted in Manu and Michael Chee Kam being sent to the bin.
Izaac Thompson then scored for the Bunnies in the penultimate minute to set-up a nail-biting finish.
But the Roosters held on to back up last weekend's win over NZ Warriors and move into fifth on the NRL ladder.
Meanwhile, Redcliffe Dolphins have continued the fairytale start to their inaugural NRL campaign with a comprehensive 36-20 win over Newcastle Knights on the road.
The Dolphins ran in seven tries to three on the road to remain unbeaten through three games and move atop the competition standings.
Tonga star Tesi Niu ran in a hat-trick of tries for the Dolphins, while Jamayne Isaako claimed a double. Former Warriors half Kodi Nikorima was also among the scorers.
Sydney Roosters 20 (Smith, Tupou, Paulo 2 tries, Paul 2 con) South Sydney Rabbitohs 18 (Koloamatangi, Johnston, Thompson tries, Mitchell 2 cons)
Redcliffe Dolphins 36 (Niu 3, Isaako 2, Nikorima, Tabuai-Fidow, Isaako 4 cons) Newcastle Knights 20 (Miller 2, Gamble tries, Hastings 3 cons)
