Werribee Bears have edged closer to securing an NRL Victoria first grade finals double chance, thanks to a pay-back 18-10 win over Altona Roosters on the road at Bruce Comben Reserve on Saturday.
The Bears were upset by their western rivals earlier in the season and were hellbent on producing an effort more befitting title contenders.
Bears playing coach Phil Pese told Star Weekly there was a noticeable shift in attitude from his players compared to the last time the two sides met.
“Attitude first time around was poor – I don’t think anyone was there on the day,” he said. “But this game, everyone turned up.”
Werribee showed its defensive steel, restricting the Roosters to two tries.
Second rowers Josh Tauai and Eddie Aukino Hughes, along with lock Tuitoga Leota, set the tone with the physicality of their tackles.
That was another facet of the Bears’ game that show big improvement in comparison to the previous western derby.
“Like I keep telling the guys, defence will win us championships,” Pese said.
“There were a lot of big hits from our boys and it kind of rattled Altona a little bit.
“There was a time in the first half when Altona spent close to 15 or 20 minutes in our red zone … we stopped them and went up the other end and scored.
“The scoreline was a reflection on our good defence.”
It was not a vintage Werribee attacking performance, but the Bears did enough to secure a comfortable win.
Centre Radeem Saleupolu was the pick of the Bears in attack, setting up two tries and opening up the defensive line with his dangerous runs.
“Every time he touched the ball he looked dangerous,” Pese said.
“He’s really hard to defend, attracts the defenders and he’s got a good off-load on him.”
Werribee can lock away second spot with a victory over Doveton Steelers away on Saturday.
Third-placed Doveton has been one of the most improved sides in the competition this season and will be no pushover.
Pese welcomes a finals-like challenge in the lead up to the play-offs.
“It’s not going to be easy,” Pese said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way leading into the semi finals.”
