Roosters v Sea Eagles preview

v BYE at

Former Grand Finalists face off to kick-start seasons.

Experiencing their worst start to a season since 2007, the Sydney Roosters will be hoping for a change of fortune as they return to Allianz Stadium after a fortnight of disappointment on the road. While the fulltime scoreline against the Cowboys suggested the Roosters were mere cannon fodder for the reigning premiers, Trent Robinson's side demonstrated signs of improvement during the first half, but lacked finesse in the absence of Mitchell Pearce and Boyd Cordner to capitalise on the opportunities they created. With off-season recruits Dale Copley and Ian Henderson sustaining long-term injuries in the 40-0 thrashing, Brendan Elliott will play his first game of the season ahead of English international Joe Burgess, while Fijian representative forward Eloni Vunakece will make his first grade debut at age 28. Shaun Kenny-Dowall will play his 200th NRL game after debuting for the club back in 2007.

Having struggled against Canterbury and Wests Tigers in the opening fortnight, the Sea Eagles recorded their maiden win of 2016 against the highly fancied Cronulla outfit last Monday. Buoyed by their performance, coach Trent Barrett will head into Saturday night's fixture full of confidence and will be looking for a similar effort in order to level their results after the opening month of football. Despite retaining the same side that prevailed 22-12 against the Sharks, forwards Brenton Lawrence and Martin Taupau will have to successfully fight charges at the judiciary to take their place. Should the duo miss out through suspension, expect seasoned forward Jamie Buhrer to come into the side for his first game of 2016 after recovering from a broken jaw sustained in the Auckland Nines. Front-rower Josh Starling will play his 50th game in the NRL after debuting with South Sydney in 2012. 

Last meeting: Round 25 2015 - Sea Eagles 10 Roosters 46

Who to watch: Exploding onto the NRL scene last year, Kiwi international Siosiua Taukeiaho will be looking to step up in the absence of representative forwards Boyd Cordner and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, in order to provide the Roosters with their first win of 2016. Averaging well over 100 metres per game, the former Warrior is one of the sides strike weapons, with an imposing frame and ability to break tackles like few others in the Roosters forward pack. Still only in his second full NRL season, Taukeiaho may lack the experience of his opposing forwards, but will be a major contributor in the outcome of Saturday's match.

Tipped to take over the fullback role once Manly legend Brett Stewart retires, young flyer Tom Trbojevic will be looking to learn from the champion number one as he continues his development in first grade. Still eligible for Under 20s, the utility back starred for the Sea Eagles on Monday night, running for 200 metres and scoring the match-sealing try to the delight of coach Trent Barrett. Set to face off against the raw size and power of Daniel Tupou, Trbojevic will be looking to find open space on Saturday in order to dazzle the Roosters with his electrifying speed.

The favourite: Despite the short turn-around, the Sea Eagles are expected to heap further misery upon the winless Roosters. 

My tip: Overcoming one of the premier teams of the competition last Monday night, Manly should make it back-to-back victories over a Roosters outfit in desperate need of a win. Sea Eagles by 7.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 12. Aidan Guerra 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 6. Jayden Nikorima 15. Kane Evans 16. Mitchell Frei 17. Eloni Vunakece

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 14. Lewis Brown 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Starling 9. Matt Parcell 10. Nate Myles 18. Feleti Mateo 15. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 17. Siosaia Vave 20. Blake Leary 21. Luke Burgess 23. Darcy Lussick

Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Clayton Sharpe, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;