The Canberra Raiders' heavy under-20 loss to Sydney Roosters at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday was compounded by injuries to key personnel, with halfback Lachlan Croker and hooker Dylan McGrath both failing to finish the match.
Croker, a clear standout for the Raiders so far this season, exited in the first half with a shoulder injury, and an attempt to return to action in the second half proved short lived.
McGrath suffered a head knock midway through the second half and the Roosters took full advantage of their depleted opposition, registering their first win of the season, 46-16.
Highly-rated Roosters halfback Jackson Hastings scored 18 points in the landslide win, which reduces the Raiders to 2-2 to start their season.
The hosts led 20-6 at half-time and piled on five tries to two in the second half.
Canberra began strongly when five-eighth Lachlan Lewis crossed in the first minute, but from then on the Roosters dominated.
Roosters NRL fullback, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's younger brother Johnny, crossed for a try in the second half.
Back rower Tevita Pangai toiled hard for the Raiders, but former NRL centre Brenko Lee continued his slow start to the season, failing to trouble the scorers.
