Josh Mercer previews the round four clash between the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Date: Sunday April 4, Time: 6:15 pm
Roosters Team
- James Tedesco
- Daniel Tupou
- Josh Morris
- Joseph Manu
- Brett Morris
- Drew Hutchison
- Sam Walker
- Isaac Liu
- Freddy Lussick
- Siosiua Taukeiaho
- Angus Crichton
- Sitili Tupouniua
- Victor Radley
- Matt Ikuvalu
- Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
- Nat Butcher
- Fletcher Baker
- Egan Butcher
- Ben Marschke
- Joseph Suaalii
- Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha
Team Changes
IN: Ben Marschke, Egan Butcher, Joseph Suaalii, Matt Ikuvalu, Nat Butcher, Sam Walker, Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha, Victor Radley.
OUT: Luke Keary, Lindsay Collins, Lachlan Lam, Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
Warriors Team
- Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
- David Fusitu’a
- Adam Pompey
- Marcelo Montoya
- Ken Maumalo
- Kodi Nikorima
- Sean O’Sullivan
- Addin Fonua-Blake
- Wayde Egan
- Bunty Afoa
- Eliesa Katoa
- Bayley Sironen
- Tohu Harris
- Jazz Tevaga
- Ben Murdoch-Masila
- Leeson Ah Mau
- Jack Murchie
- Tom Ale
- Paul Turner
- Kane Evans
- Rocco Berry
Team Changes
IN: Kane Evans, Marcelo Montoya, Paul Turner, Rocco Berry, Tom Ale.
OUT: Peta Hiku.
Referee: Ben Cummins
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter two big wins, the Roosters’ momentum came to a screeching halt against traditional rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Roosters had no answers as the Rabbitohs made them look ordinary at times; after the Rabbitohs headed out to a 24-0 lead, there is no doubt that Roosters fans would have been experiencing déjà vu from last year’s massacre. The Roosters were able to put some tries together to go down by 10 points, however a number of injuries to players such as Luke Keary made the loss even worse.
Warriors
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Warriors were able to get the victory against the Canberra Raiders, though it was in controversial circumstances. The pass that led to the Warriors scoring – and mounting a comeback – was forward. It is a shame that the game will be remembered for the forward pass, and the mistakes made by referee Henry Perenara, given what they have been through the last two seasons.
PREVIEW
This is a danger game for the Roosters: they have quite a number of injuries and in the past have struggled against the Warriors. The Warriors showed enormous heart against the Raiders and will no doubt show it again against the Roosters.
James Tedesco and other veterans will need to step up and lead from the front in the absence of Keary and other key players. The return of Victor Radley should tighten up the middle of the park, and with the way Kodi Nikorima plays that’s what will be needed to stop the Warriors.
KEY STAT
Since 1998 these two sides have played 40 times, with the Warriors ahead 21 wins to 18, with one game drawn.
PREDICTION
Roosters by four.
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