Vale: Terry Hill
17 hours ago | National Rugby League
Dragons v Roosters preview
St. George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters
Allianz Stadium - Monday 7:00pm 
Roosters looking for revenge, Dragons looking to bounce back.
In what is set to be a tantalizing clash on Monday Night Football, we have two top 8 clubs with rich history aiming up in what promises to be a physical clash. Having played a great game of football on Anzac day with the Dragons prevailing 14-12, the Roosters will be hoping to reverse the result this time around.
The visitors will be without both Jared Waerea Hagreaves and Sam Moa. Both their starting props which will be a big blow to their go forward. The likes of Boyd Cordner and Kane Evans will need to stand up in their absence. The return of Blake Ferguson last week which included a match winning try was a big boost for the tri colours and they will be wanting another 5 star effort from their lanky centre against the defensive heavyweights of St George. The Roosters will welcome back their pletheroe of origin stars which include (Boyd Cordner, Aiden Guerra, Michael Jennings, Mitchell Pearce).
The Dragons were brought back down to earth two weeks ago with a resounding 29-16 defeat to a rampant Canterbury outfit. The Dragons usual stringent defence was left weary and exposed at times and conceded a season high 29 point.
They also welcome back their origin stars in Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin. The bye off last week will have refreshed the bodies of the Dragons players and no doubt they will be excited and rearing to go come Monday night. If what Benji Marshall said in the media during the week then I think the Dragons might be fired up for this game, considering how slow and lethargic their start against the Bulldogs was a fortnight ago.
Last Meeting: St George Illawarra 14 Sydney Roosters 12 at Allianz Stadium, Round 8, 2015. Dragons got the win earlier in the season but had lost the previous 5 clashes before that (4 of those losses came Allianz Stadium). To make matters worse for the red and whites is that they have won only 20 of 48 games at Allianz (dating back to 1999) at a win ratio of just 42%. The Dragons lead the Roosters 18-14 with 1 draw in all clashes.
Who To Watch: For the Roosters they are going to need some bulk in the middle without Sam Moa and Jared Waerea Hargreaves. Looking for young prop Kane Evans to have a big impact. Evans is highly touted at the Roosters and has already had some barnstorming efforts off the bench in 2015. He stands at 6'4 and weighing at 116kg he has the ability to bend back the defensive line, however his most valuable trait is his offloading ability, especially when attracting 2 or 3 defenders in a tackle. This creates 2nd phase play and helps out the Roosters halves and outside backs. Evans will be expected to play a few more minutes on Monday and don't be surprised to see him step up for the occasion.
For the Dragons keep an eye on newly re signed backrower Will Matthews. Matthews has been a real revelation in 2015, with his hard hitting defence and work rate being noticed by many other clubs. Most fans remember his big hits on Sam Thaiday and ben Hunt in the Dragins win over Brisaben earlier i the year. Matthews has a wondeful tackling technique and will really sure up the left hand side of the park in the absence of Joel Thompson. If Matthews can create a few mistakes from the opposition then he will be going above and beyond his duty and helping the Dragons on their way to a win. Expect to see him run for close to 100 metres and make 30 plus tackles in another workman's like performance.
The favorite: Due to recent form the Roosters start as favorites in this clash.
My Tip: Think the Dragons might get back on their feet in this one, a good start is needed. If this wet weather hangs around then it ill suit the red and whites who played in similar conditions on ANZAC day. The Roosters are just lacking a bit of punch up front and will need their young bench payers to play at a higher level. Should be a superb game between two teams aiming for top 4 positions.
Dragons by 6.
1. Josh Dugan 2. Eto Nabuli 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Will Matthews 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Jake Marketo 15. Ben Creagh 16. Jack de Belin 17. Heath L'Estrange 20. Rory O'Brien
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Dylan Napa 9. Jake Friend 10. Sam Moa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Jackson Hastings 15. Mitchell Aubusson 16. Kane Evans 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 19. Suaia Matagi
Referees: Ben Cummins, Gavin Morris; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Henry Perenara;