NRL Preview Round 26: Roosters Vs Tigers

Sydney Roosters must beat the Tigers to keep their slim top 8 hopes alive.

MATCHDAY NEWS

MATCHDAY SCHEDULE

Sydney Roosters Vs Wests Tigers
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Date: Saturday, August 26, 5:00pm

MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS

Roosters: 1. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Corey Allan 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Terrell May 17. Angus Crichton 18. Drew Hutchison 19. Egan Butcher 20. Zach Dockar-Clay 21. Junior Pauga 22. Naufahu Whyte

Tigers: 1.  Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Triston Reilly 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie 7. Will Smith 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Justin Matamua 15. Shawn Blore 16. Alex Twal 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Aitasi James 19. Brandon Wakeham 20. Josh Feledy 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Tommy Talau

Referee: Todd Smith

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MATCHDAY PREVIEW

The Roosters have been fighting hard the last few weeks, hoping to play finals football in 2023. Last week, they won their third game in a row – beating an Eels side that has struggled this season. It wasn’t pretty, but it was still a good win and a much-needed one with only two games left to play.

Sam Walker returns to the Roosters side after injury and making his return through NSW Cup. There were murmurs he may have been on the outer earlier this season; a strong showing in his return will show that he belongs in the seven jersey for the Roosters. Captain James Tedesco will miss this weekend’s game due to concussion protocols, the reliable Joey Manu moves to fullback, and Corey Allen comes into the centres. However, he may swap with Joseph Suaalii throughout the game.

The Tigers got back into the winner’s circle with a one point victory, but as Dominic Toretto said, it doesn’t matter if you by an inch or a mile; winning is winning! Going for the short kick-off worked well, and getting the penalty was the icing on the cake. While they won’t be playing finals football this year, finishing the season on a high will be good for the Tigers.

Jake Simpkin will miss this game due to concussion protocols, with Will Smith coming into the side in the halfback position. Apiu Koroisau will return to hooker after playing in the halves last week. Luke Brooks will miss this week through a calf injury.

LAST TEN MATCHES

Roosters 9, Tigers 1.

MATCHDAY PREDICTION

Roosters by 12 points.

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