Roosters v Wests Tigers preview

v BYE at

Struggling sides face off for Sunday afternoon derby

Coming into the Round 13 fixture off the back of a bye, the Sydney Roosters will be out to make amends for their recent showings of late. Having managed just two wins all season, coach Trent Robinson will be fully aware of the stakes required for his side to make the finals. Sitting two wins behind their opponents, the Roosters will be hopeful the return of Dale Copley in the centres brings an attacking flair missing in recent weeks. In the only other change from the side beaten 32-20 by Canterbury a fortnight ago, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will start in the front row for the first time since returning from injury.

Putting together consecutive wins for the first time since the opening rounds, the Tigers produced a solid performance against an Origin depleted Broncos side last Friday. Among seven teams separated by just two points, coach Jason Taylor will be stressing the importance of Sunday's clash if the joint venture are to keep pace with top eight contenders. In a major boost to the side, exciting fullback James Tedesco has been named to return in place of Jordan Rankin, while Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah will also come back into the side pending the outcome of Wednesday's Origin fixture. If the Tigers are to come away with the win they'll have to overcome a horrific formline against the Roosters in recent seasons, having managed just one win from the past 12 matches dating back to 2010.

Last meeting: Round 20 2015 - Tigers 8 Roosters 33

Who to watch: Named in the halves for the second straight week, rookie Ryan Matterson will be looking to impress for the Roosters on Sunday. Having beaten out Jayden Nikorima and Jackson Hastings for the vacant five-eighth role, the former Parramatta lower grader has shown glimpses of potential so far, including a try-scoring performance for City after just two games in first grade. With the physique and skills to make an impact across the park, Matterson will need to be contained by the Tigers or else the Bondi boys may find themselves in for a high-scoring afternoon.

He may not boast the same credentials as some of his teammates, but there is little doubting the impact Sauaso Sue has upon the Tigers forward pack. Able to make a mark up front or cause damage on the edges, the 24-year-old Samoan international has been one of the Tigers biggest improvers in recent seasons. Alongside a host of other developing players, Sue will have the Roosters on high alert as both sides strive to force their way into the top eight.

The favourite: Having shown glimpses of promise against Canterbury, the home side is favoured to come away with two points.

My tip: The Tigers are yet to make a genuine statement with their performances so far, but with key players beginning to find form, don't rule out an upset. Wests Tigers by 6.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Dale Copley 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Ryan Matterson 21. Jackson Hastings 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 12. Aidan Guerra 14. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 15. Sam Moa 16. Kane Evans 17. Connor Watson 17. Eloni Vunakece

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 13. Elijah Taylor 10. Ava Seumanufagai 18. Kyle Lovett 12. Chris Lawrence 11. Josh Aloiai
Interchange: 14. Sauaso Sue 17. Dene Halatau 19. JJ Felise 17. Michael Chee-Kam

Referees: Ashley Klein, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson;