Josh Mercer previews the round five clash between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Date: Saturday April 10, Time: 7:35 pm
Roosters Team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joseph Manu
5. Brett Morris
6. Drew Hutchison
7. Sam Walker
8. Isaac Liu
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Ben Marschke
15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
16. Nat Butcher
17. Fletcher Baker
18. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
19. Egan Butcher
20. Joseph Suaalii
21. Matt Ikuvalu
Team Changes
IN: Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Egan Butcher, Joseph Suaalii, Matt Ikuvalu.
OUT:
Sharks Team
1. Will Kennedy
2. Mawene Hiroti
3. Josh Dugan
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Matt Moylan
7. Chad Townsend
8. Braden Hamlin-Uele
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Aaron Woods
11. Teig Wilton
12. Wade Graham
13. Toby Rudolf
14. Connor Tracey
15. Aiden Tolman
16. Jack Williams
17. Billy Magoulias
18. Braydon Trindall
19. Nene MacDonald
20. Andrew Fifita
21. Franklin Pele
Team Changes
IN:
OUT:
Referee: Adam Gee
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Roosters were able to get back into the winner’s column as they defeated the New Zealand Warriors 32-12 at the SCG. The Roosters found themselves down early in the game but went into halftime leading 16-12. They were able to capitalise on the Warriors’ errors and scored 16 points to nil in the second half. Sam Walker played well in his debut game while James Tedesco and Angus Crichton were at their usual best.
Sharks
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Sharks had a day out against the hapless Cowboys with a 48-10 victory. The Sharks looked good as everything seemed to stick for them as they raced out to a 36-6 lead at halftime; the only blemish in the first half was a wayward pass that Cowboys winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scooped up to score. The Sharks scored 12 points in the second half to run out big winners. Fullback William Kennedy starred while Chad Townsend played well and had a better day out with the boot, kicking eight goals.
PREVIEW
Both sides are coming off good wins; however, this week should be a better indicator of where the sides are at. The Sharks halves had a great day out against the Cowboys and they will be a big test for the inexperienced duo of Sam Walker and Drew Hutchinson.
A key matchup this weekend will be between the fullbacks James Tedesco and William Kennedy. Kennedy has had a great start to the season and was one of the stars last week, scoring two tries in the big win against the Cowboys. Tedesco has played well this season and continues to be the player that the Roosters look to for the big play, and he usually comes through for them.
The back row for both sides is top quality and Angus Crichton has been strong so far this season. Having Victor Radley back in the centre of the field should be a big bonus for the Roosters, as that’s where they were most vulnerable last season. Radley’s opposite number Toby Rudolf has been playing really well this season and it should be a good clash between the lock forwards.
KEY STAT
The Sharks have a better winning percentage at the SCG, having won four out of six games (67%) while the Roosters have only won six out of 16 games (38%).
PREDICTION
Sharks by 10.
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