Roosters v Dragons preview

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No finals, no problems as giant killers do battle

Surprising many with an upset victory over the reigning premiers last Sunday, the Roosters will be looking to build upon their improved form in recent weeks and finish the season on a high note. Set to miss the finals for the first time since taking over as coach three years ago, Trent Robinson has retained the same squad that defeated the Cowboys 22-10, with international forward Aidan Guerra once again relegated to 18th man. In recent years the Roosters have dominated the Dragons, coming away with six wins from eight clashes, while the side will be hoping to avenge their ANZAC Day showing and give their supporters a strong finish in their final home game of 2016.

Producing their best performance of the season to defeat the Sharks last Saturday, the Dragons will be looking to break away from their structured attack and move the ball against the Roosters. Registering their highest score of the year in the 32-18 win, coach Paul McGregor will be hoping the return of prop Leeson Ah Mau offsets the loss of damagaing forward Tariq Sims, in the only change from last week's team. While their chances of qualifying for the finals are all but extinct, the Dragons will be hoping to finish the year off strongly in order to build towards a stronger season in 2017.

Last meeting: Round 8 2016 - Dragons 20 Roosters 18

Who to watch: In a disappointing season for the Roosters, Dylan Napa has continued to develop after a full season packing down in the front row. Forced to carry the workload of enforcer due to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves injury-riddled season, the 23-year-old Queenslander has impressed with a series of strong showings, with his fearless running and relentless defence among the best in the NRL. In each of the Roosters wins this season, Napa has been a standout and should the tri-colours come away with the points on Sunday, look for the fiery red head to star.

Making his long-awaited return from injury last week, fullback Josh Dugan injected the Dragons attack with a burst of energy against Cronulla, allowing the struggling side to produce their finest showing of 2016. Running for close to 200 metres, Dugan's return to the NRL may prove to be the creative spark required by the Dragons to unleash the attacking potential rarely seen this season. With just three games remaining, look for the representative back to make the most of his opportunities from the back, as the Red V fight to finish the season on a positive note.

The favourite: After beating both of last year's grand finalists in recent weeks, the Roosters have been well supported to finish the season on a high note.

My tip: While the Dragons produced their best performance of the season last week, the Roosters look to be playing the better based upon recent results. Roosters by 6.

1. Blake Ferguson 2. Daniel Tupou 12. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Latrell Mitchell 6. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 18. Aidan Guerra 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Sam Moa 15. Isaac Liu 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Kane Evans

1. Josh Dugan 2. Kurt Mann 3. Euan Aitken 4. Taane Milne 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Russell Packer 18. Jake Marketo 10. Michael Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Will Matthews 22. Luciano Leilua 9. Mitch Rein

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Tim Roby; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson