Roosters move into sixth place in the National Rugby League

SYDNEY — The Sydney Roosters overcame a late comeback attempt by the Wests Tigers for a 16-14 win, moving the Roosters into sixth place in the National Rugby League.

The Roosters led 14-2 with 20 minutes remaining before tries to Tim Grant and Josh Reynolds moved the Tigers close. But the Roosters held on with Daniel Tupou, who scored two tries, preventing a Corey Thompson try with just over a minute to go.

The weekend featured only four matches because of Wednesday's first State of Origin match between New South Wales and Queensland in Melbourne.

Third-place South Sydney won its fifth match in a row and ended Cronulla's six-game winning streak with a 22-14 victory over the Sharks, while Newcastle beat last-place Parramatta 30-4.

Johnathan Thurston had a hand in three of four North Queensland tries as the Cowboys broke a three-game losing streak with a 26-12 win over Manly.

First-place Penrith and second-place St. George Illawarra, both with 20 points, were among the eight teams with weekend byes.