Sunday's NRL action delivered two results that will reshape the competition narrative heading into Round 8. At Allianz Stadium, the Sydney Roosters trailed the Newcastle Knights 24-12 at halftime before producing a stunning second-half shutout to win 38-24. And at CommBank Stadium, the Parramatta Eels produced the turnaround of the season with a 38-20 demolition of Canterbury, just one week after being beaten by 50 points against the Titans.
Roosters' Second-Half Blitz
Newcastle looked in complete control at the break. Fletcher Hunt had crossed for three first-half tries, and the Knights led by 12 with the Roosters looking disjointed. What followed was one of the most one-sided halves of the season.
The Roosters scored 26 unanswered points after the interval. Sam Walker pulled the strings with a try and two try assists, Hugo Savala crossed twice, and James Tedesco rolled back the years with a trademark fullback try from a broken play. Mark Nawaqanitawase finished with two tries of his own as the rout gathered pace. Newcastle did not score a single point in the second half.
The result lifts the Roosters to 4-2 and firmly into the top eight. The Knights drop to 4-3 after what will be a difficult review session for coach Adam O'Brien.
Eels' Remarkable Turnaround
Nobody gave Parramatta a chance after their capitulation against the Titans in Round 6. But the Eels came out with a physicality and intensity that took Canterbury completely by surprise at CommBank Stadium. They led 18-4 at the break and never looked back.
Mitchell Moses was superb, kicking 5 from 5 conversions and controlling the tempo throughout. Josh Addo-Carr and Ronald Volkman both crossed early to set the tone, and the Eels' defence held Canterbury to just two second-half tries as the Bulldogs' 2026 campaign hit another speed bump at 3-3.
Parramatta move to 3-4 with the win and while they remain outside the eight, the performance suggests they are far from a spent force this season.
Where the Markets Land
The Roosters' second-half dominance is a pattern worth noting for live betting. They have now produced second-half comebacks in three of their six wins this season, making them dangerous at halftime odds when trailing. The Eels' unpredictability is a headache for punters but creates potential value given their odds will remain long heading into Round 8. Full match reports and standings are available at ABC Rugby League.