After last weeks match of the round contender against the Raiders. The Sydney Roosters host a New Zealand Warriors team fresh off their first win in Auckland since Round 4.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Sydney Roosters
After punishing bottom eight teams for the past month, the Roosters were finally given a challenge by the red hot Canberra Raiders but showed their class with a 22-18 win. The win moved them to second place and helped them stake their claim as genuine title contenders.
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors scored the upset of Round 21 with their 24-16 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles. Their fans will be happy with the bounce-back performance, but the Warriors will need to find consistency. The win has kept their season alive, but with one of the toughest runs home, it may be too little too late.
SQUAD NEWS
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters have named the same 17 that defeated the Canberra Raiders, but they have named Boyd Cordner in the reserves so he may make his return on Sunday.
Sydney Roosters 21-Man Squad:ย 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Brett Morris, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Mitchell Aubusson, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Nat Butcher, 15. Zane Tetevano, 16. Poasa Faamausili, 17. Sitili Tupouniua, 18. Lindsay Collins, 19. Billy Smith, 20. Lachlam Lam, 21. Boyd Cordner
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors have also named the same 17 from their win over the Sea Eagles with Kodi Nikorima named in the reserves to possible make his return from his ankle injury.
New Zealand Warriors 21-Man Squad:ย 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Adam Pompey, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Blake Green, 8. Agnatius Paasi, 9. Jazz Tevaga, 10. Leeson Ah Mau, 11. Adam Blair, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Lachlan Burr, 14. Adam Keighran, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Ligi Sao, 18. Kodi Nikorima, 20. Blake Ayshford, 21. Leivaha Pulu, 22. Hayze Perham
HEAD TO HEAD
Played:ย 38, Warriors 21, Roosters 16, 1 Draw
Latest Result:ย Roosters 32-0, Round 10 2018
KEY BATTLE
My key Battle is between James Tedesco and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Both players are in contention for the Dally M Medal, and this clash could cement the claims for one of these stars.
Tedesco continues to go fro strength to strength in 2019ย the NRL leading the NRL in linebreaks and tackle-breaks. Tedesco is the stand out in a lethal backline, and the home crowd will be anticipating another strong showing from their fullback.
Despite Tedesco getting all the praise, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck continues to dominate the NRL in running metres and is the lynchpin in the Warriors attack. Expect to see the Warriors captain feature heavily as the Warriors attempt to break the Rooster line.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date:ย 18 August
Venue:ย Sydney Cricket Ground
Kick-off:ย 2:00 PM (4:00 PM NZ Time)
Referee:ย Matt Cecchin, Dave Munro
WHO WILL WIN?
For the Roosters to win, they will need to control the ruck area with their large pack and target the Warriors slow markers. Once they have the Warriors on the back foot holes will open up in the defensive line allowing their electrifying backline to run at will and the points will start to flow.
For the Warriors to win, they need to watch their discipline and defend, defend, defend. The Roosters have attacking threats all over the park, and they will take advantage of any half breaks they get. The Warriors will need to look at Chanel Harris-Tavita and Tuivasa-Sheck to create scoring opportunities with Ken Maumalo the obvious target on the edge.
The Warriors surprised Manly, but I don’t see lightning striking twice, the Roosters have been on a roll and will continue to build their momentum as they charge towards to finals, but the Warriors will give them a fight.
Roosters by 12
