All hell has broken loose at Homebush as the Roosters suffered one of the worst first halves in history with Dom Young sent off and both James Tedesco and Sam Walker forced to leave the field with concussion.

The English winger was walked for a high shot on Canterbury fullback Blake Taaffe – who himself was ruled out with concussion as a result – and could have very few complaints. He raced from the line to shut down the play but caught Taaffe flush in the face with a swinging arm.

Prior to that, Walker had been the victim of an accidental knee from Dogs captain Stephen Crichton, causing the independent doctor to intervene. The halfback failed his HIA and was ruled out.

Then, Tedesco was trampled by Viliame Kikau as he made a trysaving tackle, getting his head in the wrong place and ended up in a heap. He was clearly concussed and there was no option but for him to leave.

The loss of two players to concussion inadvertently lead to Michael Jennings making his first NRL appearance in four year as the Roosters’ 18th man after a drug ban.

Ironically, he returned on the same night as Bronson Xerri, who was also making his first appearance following a drugs ban having been upgraded to the run-on by coach Cameron Ciraldo ahead of kick-off in place of Blake Wilson.

Toby Sexton was also called into action from the extended bench with Taaffe ruled out due to foul play.

By half time, the score was 26-0 to the Dogs and only looking like it would get worse.