Roosters v Warriors preview

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Winless Roosters tackle reinvigorated Warriors on the Central Coast.

Narrowly going down to the Sea Eagles last Saturday night, the Roosters will be desperate to lift themselves off the bottom of the NRL ladder and post their first competition points of 2016. Returning to the Central Coast for the first time since Round 16 last season, Trent Robinson will be hoping a neutral venue brings about a change in fortune for the Eastern Suburbs club, as they look to maintain their strong form over the Warriors in recent clashes, winning six of the past eight meetings. Despite a run of losses early in the season, the Roosters have maintained the same squad as last week, with Jayden Nikorima named alongside Jackson Hastings in the halves and Aidan Guerra returning to the second row.

Scoring their first win since Round 18 last season, the Warriors produced an attacking blitz in the second half to down Newcastle at home on Easter Monday. With the pressure momentarily off coach Andrew McFadden, the New Zealand club will be hoping to account for the bottom placed Roosters at a venue they have played at only once in the past decade. Set to retain the same squad that triumphed over the Knights, the Warriors will be hoping continuity in their squad brings about consistent results on the field. Having signed from North Queensland in 2009, veteran prop Jacob Lillyman will play his 150th game for the Warriors on Sunday.

Last meeting: Round 19 2015 - Roosters 24 Warriors 0

Who to watch: Touted as a future superstar before making his first grade debut, Latrell Mitchell's introduction to the NRL has been a struggle so far, but that hasn't stopped the 18-year-old from making an impact for the winless Roosters. Still eligible for Holden Cup, Mitchell has stood up to the challenge of replacing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck with a high work-rate and powerful running game. While the Roosters have struggled in the absence of several big name stars, the experience of playing first grade will serve the rookie fullback well, as he learns what it takes to step up to the intensity of NRL.

Renowned for his tireless effort across the board, Ryan Hoffman will be looking to make an impact with his running ability, an aspect of his game that has been underutilised so far this season. Among the best defensive forwards in the NRL, Hoffman's ability to hit a hole has produced results consistently throughout his career and will be of immense value to the Warriors as they look to continue the strong form they showed against Newcastle. Having taken over the captaincy from Simon Mannering, the former Melbourne second rower will continue to lead from the front as the New Zealand club looks to heap further misery upon the Roosters.

The favourite: After claiming their first win in eleven matches against Newcastle, the Warriors are favoured slightly to continue the Roosters losing streak.

My tip: While the end result may have gone against them last week, the Roosters showed plenty of character, a trait that should get them their first win of the season. Roosters by 8.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Mitchell Aubusson 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Isaac Liu 15. Kane Evans 16. Mitchell Frei 17. Eloni Vunakece 24. Abraham Papalii

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Simon Mannering 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Albert Vete
Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Sam Lisone 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Konrad Hurrell

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Luke Patten;