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St George Illawarra’s chances of making the NRL final this year waned with a 36-22 loss to the Roosters at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Sunday.

The Roosters had taken a 14-0 lead before the Dragons came back before half-time, then the Red V scored twice after the break to gain the advantage and create a shock.

A win would have kept the Dragons level on competitive points with the Sharks, Titans and Raiders all battling for eighth place in the standings.

But the Chooks class shone, despite more injuries on game day, and they got away late.

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NO HEADACHE FOR ROBBO

Roosters coach Trent Robinson believes he doesn’t have a selection “headache” on his hands when it comes to his starting halves before the NRL Finals.

Robinson made the unusual decision on Sunday to bench teenage half-back Sam Walker in favor of Lachie Lam leaving alongside Drew Hutchison.

This is the first time since making his NRL debut at the start of the season that 19-year-old Walker has started an off-the-pine game.

“It was a long time for him there. I’m happy with the way he’s playing, but I also know he’s 19 and it takes 80 minutes every week, ”Robinson told Fox League of Walker ahead of the game.

“It’s a good opportunity to replace Lachie, he’s playing great too, and then to finish the game with Sammy.”

Robinson has been asked by Braith Anasta if Walker’s bench and Lam’s promotion could open up a selection “headache” implying Lam could steal Walker’s No.7 rider with two weeks to go to the final.

” Not really. Sammy is 19 and he was targeted by teams which is cool, ”said Robinson.

“I feel like he’s improved in that regard, especially over the past two weeks. But I also understand the weight of a # 7 every week.

“I find it pretty exciting to keep running these and not giving the opposition any idea what we’re going to do either.”

Anasta, however, was not as convinced that Robinson is dismissing the issue.

He believes Robinson now has the decision whether or not to start Walker as a half-back, for their final games of the year.

“They are giving Lachie Lam an opportunity,” said Anasta.

“With a few weeks to go, if Lachie plays well, all of a sudden they might have a new pair of halves to go forward.

“It’s a big call.”

Walker didn’t look too shaken by the benches.

He stepped onto the pitch just after half-time and managed a brilliant assist – throwing a low pass to left winger Daniel Tupou to regain the advantage over the Dragons – then scoring his own try as he broke through the defense. Red V shortly thereafter.

TERRIFIC TEDDY CONTINUES TO RIDE

James Tedesco has seen the chaos unfold around him this year, but in the midst of it all he has been a shining light for the Chooks.

The club were crushed by an injury, which eventually pushed the rear of the gun into the role of captain after the untimely retirements of Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend.

Tedesco has been nothing short of sensational ever since taking on the captain’s armband.

On Sunday he had another blinker, setting up his team’s three tries in the first half.

Tedesco was in everything. He prepared his right winger with a perfect left-to-right pass, and moments later he secured an assist down the left side of the pitch with a skillful kick behind the defensive line.

“He’s been everywhere, even defensively,” Shane Flanagan told Fox League.

“We’re talking about his running game, but his passing game (is fantastic) too. There is nothing he cannot do.

In total, Tedesco ran 250 yards on Sunday, making 10 tackle saves, one offload, two line breaks and three assists. He also had four assists.

RED V BRIGHT FUTURE

It has been a difficult task for St George Illawarra supporters but there are certainly silver liners coming to the club.

The Dragons have a squad of young talent that brings good news for the seasons to come.

On Sunday, fans got to see Max Feagai, Junior Amone and Jayden Sullivan, the latter of whom came off the bench and replaced the hooker during the game.

Sullivan showed moments of brilliance, nearly stealing a try under James Tedesco, then catching one in the dying minutes with breakneck pace.

Zac Lomax – still young in his own right – had two tries and was sometimes brilliant in the loss.

Tyrell Sloan has also been spotted this season and looks to be a promising fullback.