Simon guides Roosters into NRLW final

Sydney Roosters speedster Taleena Simon has propelled her side into the NRLW grand final after bagging four tries in their 26-0 thrashing of St George Illawarra.

The Roosters came into the final round without a win to their credit but came from last place to secure a berth in the season decider against Brisbane next Sunday.

The Roosters, Dragons and Warriors all finished with just one victory apiece however the Tri-Colours snuck into second spot due to a superior points differential.

Roosters winger Simon notched her double inside nine minutes when she twice took advantage of a massive overlap at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

And when Dragons fullback Honey Hireme – filling in for injured skipper Sam Bremner – made a mess of a regulation kick return, Simon pounced to grab her third in the 11th minute.

She gave her side a 12-0 advantage at halftime and put the Dragons to the sword when she grabbed her fourth six minutes after the resumption.

Simon finished with 132 metres, six tackle busts and three linebreaks while her centre partner Isabella Kelly ran for 144 metres.

Roosters coach Adam Hartigan’s controversial decision to drop NSW playmaker Maddie Studdon for the clash after his side struggled for points in their opening two clashes was vindicated.

And his decision to move Zahara Temara from lock to halfback also proved an inspired one as she chipped deftly for Brydie Parker.

The Dragons finally had a chance to get on the scoreboard when five-eighth Keeley Davis pounced on a loose ball in the in-goal but the video referee detected a knock-on.

Having been beaten 14-4 by the unbeaten Broncos last weekend, the Roosters will head into the inaugural NRLW grand final as massive underdogs.