Roosters v Dragons preview

Sydney Roosters v St. George Illawarra Dragons
Allianz Stadium - Saturday 4:00pm

Well, this game should be a cracker!

The Roosters come into this one on the back of three straight losses to the Sharks, Broncos and Storm, although despite all of these losses they are still one of the teams to beat in the competition.

They Roosters will have Sam Moa return from suspension this week - a timely return considering they will be without the services of Jared Warea-Hargreaves, who will miss at least six weeks with a pectoral injury.

Conversely, the Dragons are buoyed by five wins in as many weeks. Their wins have been built mainly from their defence, although their attack has improved a great deal over the past few weeks. Their performances have seen them rise to the top of the table after a poor start to the season.

Last meeting: Round 21 2014 - Sydney Roosters 30 St. George Illawarra Dragons 22

Who to watch: Departing Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been in great form with ball in hand. He's averaging almost 250 metres per game, and is returning kicks like they are no problem at all. The Dragons' kicking game will need to be spot-on if they are to mitigate him as a threat.

For the Dragons, Benji Marshall has been back to his best in the last few weeks. His performances have been reminiscent of Benji of old, and Dragons fans could not be happier. Last week against the Broncos Marshall was quiet, but the two weeks before that he was setting up tries, kicking for huge metres, and setting his outside men into space almost every time he touched the ball.

The favourite: The Roosters are favourites in this game, although don't be surprised if there's an upset.

My tip: I'm going against the punters here, mainly on the back of the Dragons' defence. Dragons by 2.


1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Nene Macdonald 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Dylan Napa 9. Jake Friend 10. Sam Moa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Willie Manu 15. Isaac Liu 16. Kane Evans 17. Lagi Setu 19. Matt McIlwrick

1. Josh Dugan 2. Eto Nabuli 3. Euan Aitken 4. Dylan Farrell 5. Peter Mata'utia 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Will Matthews 12. Joel Thompson 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Ben Creagh 15. Jack de Belin 16. Jake Marketo 17. Heath L'Estrange 18. George Rose 19. Drew Hutchison 20. Yaw Kiti Glymin


Referees: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;


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