Roosters v Sharks preview

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Can the Roosters pull off the upset of 2016?

Starting strongly in their past two encounters against Canterbury and Parramatta, the Sydney Roosters have been forced to dwell on missed opportunities as their fight to avoid the wooden spoon becomes a frightening possibility. With arguably the toughest run home of all the clubs in the competition, coach Trent Robinson will need his side to translate their on-field effort into wins. Representative duo Blake Ferguson and Aidan Guerra have not been named, but may come into the squad depending on their performances on Wednesday night. Jackson Hastings has been left out of the side in favour of Ryan Matterson, who returns to the first grade side after sitting out the past two losses.

Despite missing six representative players last Sunday, the Sharks showed no signs of weakness against the Panthers as they recorded their thirteenth consecutive victory. Sitting in outright first position, the Sharks are on track to record their best finish to a season since 1999 and will be looking to capitalise on their strong form over the Roosters in recent years as they look to fend off Melbourne for the Minor Premiership. Despite naming all five of the clubs Origin representatives, look for coach Shane Flanagan to give the likes of Jesse Sene-Lefao and Fa'amanu Brown further game time in preparation for September.

Last meeting: Round 13 2015 - Sharks 10 Roosters 4

Who to watch: He may not boast the same credentials as some of his fellow teammates, but there is no denying the impact Sam Moa has made for the Roosters over his tenure. Linking up with the Bondi club in 2013 as a virtual unknown, the Kiwi prop has gone from strength to strength under coach Trent Robinson. Off-contract at the end of the season, Moa has attracted interest from rival clubs and will be out to make his mark on the field in order to secure the best deal as he approaches the twilight of his career.

Coming up against his former club for the first time, NSW playmaker James Maloney will be looking to continue the Sharks winning record on Monday night. Transitioning seamlessly into the Cronulla side, the premiership-winning half has been in fine from this season, with his combination alongside Chad Townsend pivotal to the Sharks success. Having taken two different clubs to the first Sunday in October, Maloney is well-equipped to handle the pressure of big games and will be prepared to account for all opponents regardless of their premiership standing.

The favourite: Off the back of thirteen consecutive wins, the Sharks are well supported to add the Roosters to their list of scalps in 2016.

My tip: While the Roosters have shown promise over the past month, the class of the Sharks should prove too much. Sharks by 12.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Dale Copley 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 18. Blake Ferguson 17. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Sam Moa 6. Ryan Matterson 16. Isaac Liu 19. Aidan Guerra

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 17. Jayson Bukuya 9. Michael Ennis 16. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo 15. Chris Heighington 10. Sam Tagataese 19. Fa'amanu Brown

Referees: Ashley Klein, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Adam Gee; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Jared Maxwell