NRL: Roosters leapfrog Bunnies with nail-biting win

A bit of fisticuffs between Robbie Farah of the Tigers (left) and Nathan Friend of the Titans (right). Photo / Getty Images

Sydney Roosters five-eighth Todd Carney led his side to a last-gasp win over South Sydney in a bruising NRL derby in Sydney last night.

Carney scored the Roosters' only first-half try, laid on the winner for Mitch Aubusson and booted three-from-three as the Roosters snatched victory in the 77th minute to leapfrog their rivals on the ladder.

The Rabbitohs scored in just the third minute, when Beau Falloon scooted from dummy half to touch down.

In the 20th minute, halfback Chris Sandow extended his side's advantage to 8-0 with a penalty goal.

The Roosters got on the board five minutes later when Carney skipped through some poor defence to score. The conversion made it 8-6.

After the break, a slick backline movement resulted in Sam Perrett crossing for the Roosters, Carney's conversion making it 12-8.

But, piggy-backed by a penalty, the Rabbitohs were soon back in front when a neat inside ball from Dave Taylor helped Fetuli Talanoa to the line. Sandow's sideline conversion gave his side a 16-14 lead.

A late penalty also helped the Roosters, Carney laying on a perfect pass for a straight-running Aubusson to grab the winner.

In last night's other NRL fixture, Wests edged out the Titans 15-14 in a hugely entertaining match.

The battle was settled by a magnificent 50m field goal from Benji Marshall for the Tigers on the stroke of halftime.

This proved to be the difference, as the team held off a late onslaught from the Titans, who had largely dominated the opening period. The Gold Coasters should have been well clear at the break and were left to rue the spurning of three golden opportunities due to some careless handling.

It was evident from the kick-off that there was no love lost between the sides, and the powderkeg exploded in the 59th minute with players exchanging blows after Tigers skipper Robbie Farah claimed Nathan Friend had head-butted him in the scrum.

FULL TIME
* Roosters 18 - Rabbitohs 14
* Tigers 15 - Titans 14

- AAP