Josh Mercer previews the Round 11 clash between the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
New Zealand Warriors
After a narrow loss in Round Nine to the Titans, the Warriors were blown off the park against the Sharks last Sunday in Gosford. The Warriors had the chance to draw the game level early in the contest when David Fusitu’a pick up the scraps of a Blake Green bomb, coming close to the sideline, Fusitu’a was able to get a flick pass off to Patrick Herbert who unfortunately dropped the ball over the line. The afternoon didn’t get much better as Shaun Johnson and co made it look easy at times in the big win.
Sydney Roosters
Last week saw the Canberra Raiders exact a little revenge in the Grand Final rematch with the Roosters. Expectations were on the Roosters to win with a Raiders side having numerous injuries to key players, the Raiders showed up to play and went on with the job. While the Raiders played extremely well, the Roosters also committed a number of errors that are uncharacteristic of the team from Bondi.
SQUAD NEWS
New Zealand Warriors
Adam Pompey comes into the side at centre for Patrick Herbert (HIA), Wayde Egan (hip) and Agnatius Paasi (shoulder) are also out.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Adam Pompey 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Blake Grenn 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Karl Lawton 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Tohu Harris 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Adam Blair 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Lachlan Burr 18. Jack Murchie 19. Josh Curran 20. Adam Keighran 21. Patrick Herbert.
Sydney Roosters
Angus Crichton (knee) will sit out this match.
1.James Tedesco 2. Matt Ikuvalu 3. Josh Morris 4. Joey Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Lachlan Lam 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsey Collins 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Ryan Hall 20. Daniel Fifita 21. Drew Hutchison.
KEY STAT
Since 1998 theses two teams have met 39 times with the Warriors ahead, winning 21 times.
BATTLE TO WATCH
The battle of the two best fullbacks in the NRL, James Tedesco and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be worth watching for. We know what both men can do and it will be important for one of these two to play well for their team to get the win.
Roosters by 18
GAME DETAILS
Date: Saturday 25th July, 2020
Venue: Central Coast Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm (AEST)
