The Sydney Roosters face the Central Coast Roosters for a spot in the Harold Matthews Cup (U17s) preliminary final on Saturday at Leichhardt Oval in a massive afternoon for the Tri-Colours.
The Roosters formed a relationship with Rugby League Central Coast back in 2017 and extended the partnership for an additional five seasons late last year.
The deal gives the 7000 junior rugby league players on the Central Coast direct access to the NRL, while also allowing kids to stay at home until they finish their schooling.
The Sydney Roosters, who finished the regular season in second spot, were beaten 20-4 by an in form Warriors side in the opening week of the playoffs last weekend.
Their counterparts from up the coast finished fifth but scored two late tries, via skipper and halfback Carter Mareko and centre Eli Bennett, to beat the Eels 22-18 and keep their season alive.
In the other major semi final, Newcastle upset minor premiers Illawarra 28-10 to hand the Steelers just their second loss of the season.
The Steelers were the best defensive team throughout the regular season, conceding on average just over two converted tries a match.
But Newcastle produced the Knights best performance of 2025, scoring five tries in a commanding victory. Winger Callum Elsley scored a double and half Chase Bulter finished the afternoon with 12 points.
The Steelers now travel up to Sydney to face South Sydney following the Rooster-off at Leichhardt Oval.
Souths jumped away to an 18-4 lead early in the first half of their knockout semi final against Manly last weekend but took the foot off the pedal after the break.
Manly scored two late tries to reduce the deficit to 18-14 but couldn’t land the killer blow in the final minute.
In the SG Ball Cup (U19s), Souths and the Roosters are through to the preliminary final following upset wins over Canberra and Parramatta respectively.
Minor premiers Parramatta will host a Melbourne team in Penrith after the Storm claimed a big win over Illawarra while Canberra will take on Canterbury at Leichhardt Oval in between the two Harold Matts’ matches.
