The Bears playmaker scored a try early in the second half that reversed a 16-12 halftime deficit and gave the visitors a lead they would not relinquish, in what was a grinding and gripping Group 4 second division clash.

Then, with Bundarra leading 22-16 and the Roosters desperately trying to draw level, Roosters prop James Considine flattened Deaves after the five-eighth kicked in general play.

Deaves rose looking for revenge and chased the much bigger man. Punches were exchanged, with the incident creating a number of spot fires that, like the instigator of the kerfuffle, were quickly extinguished. Deaves and Considine were given 10 in the bin.

Speaking after the win, Deaves said:  “It was real good to come down here and get the win. We were a bit understaffed but we come out on top in the end. We just competed all game.

“It was unreal. By far (the best win of the season) … We can only go up from here, knocking the leaders off.”

Even with the propellant of a 14-2 penalty count their way, it would be unfair to begrudge Bundarra the hard-earned two points they collected.

Certainly, there was nothing but respect for the Bears among the Roosters players at the end of the match, an acknowledgement, perhaps, that the better team won.

It was the Bears’ fourth win in six matches and leaves them trailing the Roosters, who still lead the competition, by two points.