The Sydney Roosters claimed a thrilling 34-28 trial victory over the Wests Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night as some of the NRL's biggest stars made ominous returns to football.

Roosters winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall scored a hat-trick as the tricolours claimed a six tries to five victory to retain the Foundation Cup in front of 15,197 fans.

The Roosters led 28-18 on the hour before two late tries to Peni Tagive and Benji Marshall levelled scores for the Tigers with just seven minutes to go.

But Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce produced a classy 40-20 kick to cap a superb game before second rower Anthony Tupou crossed in the corner in the 77th minute to claim the win.

In an entertaining game both coaches will be impressed with the performances of their returning stars.

Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello was outstanding in his first game since back surgery midway through last year, scoring a try seconds before halftime and setting up Kenny-Dowall's third before being replaced after 50 minutes.

Tigers star Marshall was back to his exciting best in his first game since his fourth shoulder reconstruction, sparking his side's attack and defending strong in the left centres after coming on in the second half.

Marshall made an almost immediate impact in the game, with his second touch he helped set up a Chris Lawrence 65m try in the 43rd minute and later added his own stunning try in the 73rd minute to level scores 28-all.

Roosters recruit Willie Mason produced a solid hour of work for his new club, with solid runs and some crunching defence before walking off to a mixed reception from the strong crowd.

The Roosters led 16-6 at halftime, but the Tigers had played the opening half without almost all of their regular starters.

The arrival of Marshall, Robbie Farah and Todd Payten added some flair to the Tigers, but Payten's night ended in the 58th minute when he was heavily concussed off the re-start by Tupou.

Although referee Sean Hampstead did not award a penalty for a high tackle, Tupou faces an anxious wait when the NRL match review committee meets on Monday.

© 2009 AAP
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