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5 hours ago | National Rugby League
Roosters v Warriors preview
Sydney Roosters v New Zealand Warriors
Allianz Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm 
Former Grand Final combatants resume battle in Heritage Round.
While they may sit in third place behind Brisbane and North Queensland, the Roosters have shown this season that they are more than capable of claiming another premiership. Having strung together seven wins from their past eight matches, including the last four consecutively; the Roosters are primed to take on the most flamboyant side in the NRL. Coming away with a last-ditch win without their Origin stars across the Tasman, the Roosters will be eager to ensure they don't lose their place in the top four. With Aidan Guerra back after sitting out last weeks win over Penrith due to backing up from Queensland's historic Origin win, the Roosters will field their strongest possible lineup.
After downing the Storm at home last week, the Warriors will be out to make amends for allowing the Roosters to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat the last time the sides met. Retaining the same side that defeated Melbourne, the Warriors have surprised many teams this year but the biggest problem remains being consistent over the course of the season which has been the sides achilles heal for over a decade. With Shaun Johnson set to play his 100th game against the same side he debuted against in 2011, the prodigious Kiwi halfback will be out to prove he is capable of leading the New Zealanders to their first finals series since his inaugural season.
Last Meeting: Round 14, 2015 - New Zealand Warriors 21 Sydney Roosters 25
Who to watch: One of the most under-rated players in the NRL, Mitchell Aubusson has enjoyed a stellar year in 2015. Having started the season as an impact hooker, the long-serving Rooster has filled in where required for coach Trent Robinson, whether it be in the backline, forward pack or off the bench. Having worked his way back into the starting side, Aubusson will be keen to cement his place and give the Roosters a shot a redemption after bowing out of the finals last season against South Sydney.
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden boasts one of the best starting sides in the competition, however he will need to decide on a bench in the lead up to the playoffs if his side are to make a serious play for the title. While depth in the forwards is not a concern for the Warriors, experience remains an issue. Games can be won and lost on the quality of the players coming on to relieve the starting side, and with the Roosters boasting the finest bench in the league it will be up to Siliva Havili, Sione Lousi, Charlie Gubb and Albert Vete to make an impact in order for the Warriors to get up over their more-fancied rivals.
The favourite: As they did in the 2002 decider, the Roosters are expected to come away with the result.
My tip: Regardless of the result, I'm expecting these two sides to meet again in September. The Roosters have the bench to do the damage, but with Shaun Johnson capable of anything the visitors may just affirm themselves as contenders. Warriors by 7.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra
Interchange: 14. Sam Moa 15. Isaac Liu 16. Kane Evans 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Jackson Hastings
1. Sam Tomkins 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Jonathan Wright 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Sione Lousi 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Albert Vete 18. Sam Rapira
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Matt Noyen; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Luke Patten;