Josh Mercer previews the Magic Round clash between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Date: Saturday, 15th May, Time: 7:45 pm
Roosters Team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joseph Manu
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Lachlan Lam
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Benjamin Marschke
10. Isaac Liu
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Adam Keighran
15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
16. Nat Butcher
17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
18. Naufahu Whyte
19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
20. Egan Butcher
21. Joseph Suaalii
Team Changes
IN: Egan Butcher, Lachlan Lam, Naufahu Whyte, Sitili Tupouniua.
OUT: Drew Hutchison.
Cowboys Team
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Javid Bowen
4. Connelly Lemuelu
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Scott Drinkwater
7. Jake Clifford
8. Coen Hess
9. Reece Robson
10. Jordan McLean
11. Shane Wright
12. Mitchell Dunn
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Jake Granville
15. Lachlan Burr
16. Francis Molo
17. Ben Condon
18. Corey Jensen
19. Daejarn Asi
20. Tom Gilbert
21. Kane Bradley
Team Changes
IN: Daejarn Asi, Kane Bradley, Tom Gilbert.
OUT:
Referee: Ben Cummins
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Roosters proved that even though they have a big injury list they are still able to push the top teams, losing to the Eels last Friday night 31-18. It wasn’t until the last six minutes where the Eels put them away with the final try. Matt Ikuvalu had a pretty good night out on the wing, scoring a hat-trick, while Sam Walker again had a good game until he had to go off with an injured ankle. The major injury to come out of the game was to five-eighth Drew Hutchison, who broke a rib and punctured a lung after collecting the knees of opposite number Dylan Brown.
Cowboys
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter coming up short against the Warriors, the Cowboys made sure they completed the comeback this week, defeating the Broncos 19-18. The Cowboys got off to a good start with winger Kyle Feldt scoring a magnificent try after it looked like he had been held. The Broncos scored the next two tries through Xavier Coates and Rhys Kennedy for a 12-6 lead. Valentine Holmes was able to kick a penalty goal just before halftime for the Cowboys to be behind by four. Cowboys centre Connelly Lemuelu levelled the scores 15 minutes into the second half. Broncos centre Jesse Arthars got them in front again scoring a nice try. The Cowboys were able to level the scores again with Jason Taumalolo scoring in the 75th minute. It looked like the game was going to go to Golden Point, however Valentine Holmes was able to kick a field goal for the win.
PREVIEW
A win here is important for both teams. For the Roosters, a win will give them a bit of breathing space at fifth place, something that will help them later in the season. The Cowboys are currently sitting in 11th position and are on equal points with four other teams, so a win will move them closer to the top eight.
The Roosters lost five-eighth Hutchison but Lachlan Lam has been named to take his place. Lam is a very handy player to have come into the side and it will be interesting to see how he combines with Walker; it could be the next long-term halves combination for the Roosters.
Jake Clifford had an excellent game for his side last week and if the Cowboys are to win he must play like that again this week. The Roosters have been good against the lower sides but the Cowboys will be riding high after their one-point victory over the ‘big brother’ Broncos. Taumalolo, who scored the try to level the game, will need to have a big game – along with Holmes – if they are to roll the Roosters.
KEY STAT
The Roosters are averaging 28 points per game while the Cowboys are conceding 28 points per game.
PREDICTION
Roosters by 16.
Follow Nothing But League on Twitter and Facebook.
