Sports

Pangai’s ‘dog shot’ on Cronk fails to rattle rampant Roosters

Not even a ''dog shot'' by Tevita Pangai jnr was going to stop the premiers from running riot against alleged title contenders Brisbane.

The Sydney Roosters blew the Broncos off the park to lead 22-0 at half-time before continuing the entertainment with an early contender for try of the year in the final two minutes at the SCG on Thursday night.

The only concern for the Bondi boys was a suspected back injury suffered by Cooper Cronk.

The returning Cronk somehow survived a 19th-minute hit by Pangai after he had passed the ball.

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Cronk said of the late hit: "He didn't miss me tonight. That one hurt a little bit. I'll cop those whacks, as long as the blokes on my outside reap the rewards.''

Pangai, who is rumoured to be on the Roosters' radar for next season – and went into the match knowing his father underwent heart surgery earlier in the day – was placed on report for the brutal shot.

Cronk fell to the ground as the commentators immediately ripped into the Tongan wrecking ball.

Immortal Andrew Johns repeatedly labelled Pangai's hit as ''a dog shot'' and ''cheap shot''.

"Weve got to get this out of the game. Cronk lets the ball go and he hits him in the back. I think that should be a sin bin,'' Johns said on the Nine coverage.

"Youre giving away 30kg and a front-rower smashes into your kidney. Watch the whiplash on his neck. Its a dog shot.''

Fellow commentator Paul Vautin said: "I know halfbacks shouldn't play in dinner suits, but that's illegal and wrong. Someone is going to get seriously injured.''

Dangerman: Roosters fullback James Tedesco caused the Broncos plenty of headaches.

Dangerman: Roosters fullback James Tedesco caused the Broncos plenty of headaches.Credit:AAP

Cronk played on but was seen on the TV coverage receiving treatment at half-time to a huge bruise on his back, which was reportedly not caused by Pangai.

The tough No. 7 lasted just 10 minutes in the second half when he appeared to cop another knock in the back from Roosters teammate Poasa Faamausili as they tackled Corey Oates.

Pangai looks all but certain to miss at least next Thursday's match at home against the Wests Tigers.

The visitors made 100 more tackles by half-time and, while they were entitled to tire, coach Anthony Seibold would have been unimpressed with the number of missed tackles.

Roosters conditioner Travis Touma showed more effort in defence when he smashed a streaker late in the game.

The Chooks did it without Cronk the final half-hour, and are still to welcome the return of injured international premiership-winning trio Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (rib cartilage), Jake Friend (shoulder) and Brett Morris (knee).

Nervous wait: Tevita Pangai jnr could have a case to answer with the match review committee after being put on report.

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