Roosters v Cowboys NRLW preview

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Sydney Roosters (W) v North Queensland Cowboys (W) Sunday 12:00pm at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford / Darkinjung

Aitken-less Roosters look to crow against resurgent Cowboys

After their most complete performance of the 2024 season, the Sydney Roosters are looking to continue their charge towards a fifth straight finals appearance when they face the North Queensland Cowboys.  Sydney comprehensively accounted for the previously undefeated Cronulla with a 40-0 massacre last Sunday. Right from the opening whistle, the Roosters were just more willing to play physical and outduel the Sharks in every area. There was one sizable blow and that was the injury to half Tarryn Aitken. She will be sidelined with an AC joint injury which is a blow for the Roosters attack which was finally in sync after a slow start to the season.  This will see some changes to the way the Roosters attack with Jocelyn Kelleher taking command of the attack, expect Brydie Parker to be a strong foil at six, running the ball with Kelleher taking more of the kicking game. This may see Isabelle Kelly roam in a role we see Joey Manu utilise brilliantly in the men's game. The forward pack will continue their dominant role with Otesa Pule and Olivia Kernick having brilliant seasons. Elsewhere, Jayme Fressard returns from suspension sliding onto the wing for Taina Naividi who reverts to the bench. The forward pack has also seen a reshuffle with Amber Hall to start in the second row and Eliza Lopamaua moving to the bench. Millie Elliott also returns from suspension via the bench.

North Queensland have been widely kept out of the broader NRLW picture so far, they have been quietly going about their own business with some solid performances. Last weekend, they were brilliant in a 24-22 win over the win-less Tigers. Despite the results, coach Ricky Henry would be unhappy with how the Tigers were allowed back into the game last weekend. Some poorly timed errors and lapses in discipline gave the Tigers plenty of chances to come back into the match.  Kirra Dibb was brilliant with her kicking game causing all sorts of problems for back threes across the NRLW so far. Elsewhere, young sensation Lavinia Tauhalaliku has been sensational coming out of her own end as well as finishing off a great opening try last weekend. Jakiya Whitfeld is another that is relishing her new environment, has been targeted in defence where the Tigers had some strong success last week so that's an area to watch. Onto team news and there's changes in the pack. Lily Peacock returns to the squad via the bench in the only change to the 17 downed the Tigers last week, pushing Shellie Long into the reserves. Co-captain Tallisha Harden is named in the no. 8 jersey with Sareka Mooka moving from the starting side onto the bench. 

Last meeting: Round 9 2023 - Roosters 40 Cowboys 16

Who to watch: Keeley Davis out of dummy half has been incredibly solid for the Roosters. Successfully laying a platform for the forwards to shine, defensively she has also been solid in the middle, averaging 24 tackles a game as well. Expect her to become more involved in the attack with the Aitken injury.

For the Cowboys, after a quiet start to the season, Tahlulah Tillett finally delivered a statement game to solidify her starting spot. Tillett provided a much needed foil to Dibb's kicking game by setting up two tries and having heavy involvement in the Cowboys attack. Up against new Roosters edges, Tillett's ball playing will be key as the visitors look to exploit it. 

MY TIP: I like the Cowboys in this one, especially given the changes in the Roosters back-line. I just question their defensive resilience after the way the Tigers were able to pile on the points in the second half to make the result closer than it should be. Roosters by 6.

1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jasmine Strange 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Mia Wood 6. Brydie Parker 7. Jocelyn Kelleher 8. Otesa Pule 9. Keeley Davis 10. Pani Hopoate 11. Amber Hall 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Tiana Davison 14. Tavarna Papalii 15. Taina Naividi 16. Millie Elliott 17. Eliza Lopamaua 18. Samantha Economos 20. Kayla Jackson

1. Francesca Goldthorp 2. Vitalina Naikore 3. Jakiya Whitfeld 4. Jasmine Peters 5. Lavinia Tauhalaliku 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Tallisha Harden 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. Essay Banu 11. Shaniah Power 12. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 13. Bree Chester 14. Jetaya Faifua 15. Lily Peacock 16. Lillian Yarrow 19. Jazmon Tupou-witchman 18. Krystal Blackwell 21. Libby Surha

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Luke Saldern, Clayton Wills; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;