PREVIEW: Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons
The Sydney Roosters will host St George Illawarra Dragons for their traditional ANZAC Day match up, on Tuesday at Allianz Stadium.
Last year the Dragons managed to just take victory after defeating the Roosters in the ANZAC day clash, 20-18.
Last Time Out
Last week, the Sydney Roosters played the Knights and managed to comfortably defeat them 24-6 after an impressive performance by halfback Mitchell Pearce. The Roosters only kept the Knights scoreless in the first half before they scored their only try in the 45th minute. Roosters fullback Michael Gordon also played a big role kicking 4/4 conversions to assist his side to the comfortable victory.
St George Illawarra Dragons are also coming off a victory from round 7, after defeating the North Queensland Cowboys 28-22 in front of a home crowd at WIN Stadium. Dragons centre Timoteo Lafai had a terrific game after scoring two tries, two line breaks, a try assist and a total of 117 metres!! The Dragons are in red-hot form and will be looking to make it their sixth victory in a row
Key Battle
The key battle will be between the two five-eighths, Gareth Widdop and Luke Keary.
Both five-eighths have been in terrific form and will be looking to have an impact to lead their side to victory.
Gareth Widdop will be positive he can have an influence especially after being shown loyalty by his club after they extended his contract for four more years. Widdop will be confident his side can win their seventh game of the season as their form continues to impress.
Luke Keary has been impressive for the boys in blue, white and red and will be looking to make an impact with his boot especially grubber kicks. Dragons have shown they have a strong defence, therefore Luke Keary will need to play a huge role in attack for the Roosters to have a chance of scoring.
Prediction
The Roosters will have the home advantage and will be looking to continue their winning strea especially with the form of the halves pairing Keary and Pearce. Dragons will be filled with confidence after the announcement five-eighth and captain Gareth Widdop being re-signed for four more years by the club. Dragons by 12.
Squad
Roosters: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Isaac Liu 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra 14. Zane Tetevano 15. Paul Carter 16. Kane Evans 17. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 18. Latrell Mitchell 19. Dylan Napa 20. Connor Watson 21. Lindsay Collins
Dragons: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Kurt Mann 17. Hame Sele 18. Taane Milne 19. Jacob Host 20. Luciano Leilua 21. Blake Lawrie
