Josh Mercer previews the round 13 clash between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
St George Illawarra Dragons
After racing out to an early 16-0 lead, the Dragons dropped their guard and allowed the Rabbitohs to not only get back into the game but win it as well. The loss against the Rabbitohs is the second in a row for the Dragons.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters survived a scare last week against the Gold Coast Titans, winning by only six points. The Titans really put the Roosters (who were playing without the Morris twins) to the sword, but the defending premieres were able to move into the top four with the win.
SQUAD NEWS
St George Illawarra Dragons
Paul McGregor has dropped Corey Norman for this clash; Ben Hunt will start at number six. Trent Merrin returns on the bench with Jacob Host missing out.
1. Matthew Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jackson Ford 14. Tristan Sailor 15. Josh Kerr 16. Trent Merrin 17. Tyrell Fuimaono 18. Jacob Host 19. Corey Norman 20. Jason Saab 21. Kaide Ellis.
Sydney Roosters
In surprising news, Trent Robinson has dropped halfback Kyle Flanagan due to form. Lachlan Lam will wear the number seven. Drew Hutchison makes his way onto the bench.
1. James Tedesco 2. Ryan Hall 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Luke Keary 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsay Collins 18. Daniel Fifita 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Max Bailey 21. Egan Butcher.
KEY STAT
The Roosters lead the head-to-head battle against the Dragons, with 21 wins and one draw out of 42 games.
BATTLE TO WATCH
James Tedesco vs Matt Dufty
It should be a great battle to watch. Dufty was great in a losing side last week, scoring tries and setting them up as well. Tedesco, while still considered one of the best fullbacks around, has had a quiet season so far; however, he knows how to find the tryline and it could be the Dragons that pay.
GAME DETAILS
Sydney Roosters by 10.
Date: Thursday August 6, 2020
Venue: WIN Stadium
Kick-off: 7:50pm
