Round 6: Roosters v Warriors preview
Easter Sunday rugby league heads to the Sydney Cricket Ground for an all top 8 battle between two sides that have yet to find consistency this season when the Sydney Roosters play host to the New Zealand Warriors.
The Roosters have yet to find any consistency this season across the first five rounds of the competition and have left many scratching their heads at their struggles. The tricolours have won three of their opening five matches but have yet to find their best so far across the three matches.
Last weekend, the Roosters struggled their way to victory against the Broncos, a side that they were expected to beat heavily after their big win over the Cowboys the week prior. Forced to come from 10-0 down, the Eastern Suburbs side struggled to put Brisbane to the sword and it was only thanks to an off night for Adam Reynolds, that the game didn't go into golden point. The Roosters had to come from behind twice and then stave off a late comeback attempt to ensure the victory.
The Roosters welcome back Sam Verrills for his long-awaited return to the NRL this season, whilst Sio Siua Taukeiaho has been named in the 17 despite missing last week with a calf injury. The return of the two players means that Roosters coach Trent Robinson has left Drew Hutchinson and Daniel Suluka-Fifita out of the 17 and named them on the reserves bench.
Another side that has struggled for consistency across the opening five rounds has been the New Zealand Warriors although they have surprised many with three wins this season as well all coming in the past three successive games against sides admittedly having their owns struggles.
Last weekend, it took the Warriors 82 minutes to score their third successive victory with Shaun Johnson's golden point field goal being the difference in their 25-24 victory over the Cowboys in Redcliffe last week. The Redcliffe based Kiwis had to come from behind to get back into the contest and again were another side fortunate by their opponents goalkicking struggles to be in the match at that point and being able to force the match to extra time where they took their chance in the 82nd minute.
Warriors coach Nathan Brown has been forced into a change with Marcelo Montoya suspended for 4 matches at the NRL judiciary for his homophobic slur, this has meant that Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returns straight into the side on the wing. The only other change for the Warriors is Jack Murchie has been left out of the side with Eliesa Katoa coming onto the bench,.
Last meeting: Round 4 2021 - Roosters 32 Warriors 12
Who to watch: Given a vote of confidence by his coach and teammates, Sam Walker has come under a lot of scrutiny in recent weeks and yet again will be under focus this week. Defensive fragilities have been in the spotlight when it comes to the Roosters half who like his team has struggled to find consistency in 2022. Although Walker might publicly have the confidence of his coach, a poor performance in both attack and defence could put him under pressure.
Being one of the biggest names in Rugby League especially when it comes to New Zealand, Shaun Johnson is a favourite of many whether he played for their club or not. Returning to the Warriors, a whole country's spotlight turns on to SJ whenever he plays and after stepping up to seal the match-winning field goal last week, Johnson is going to be expected to stand up. A game against the Roosters is the perfect opportunity to show he is still one of the best players in the game
The favourite: The Roosters are heavy favourites for the contest given their strong record over the Warriors in recents seasons and returning to the SCG.
My tip: Neither side really fills me with any confidence this week, naturally the Roosters are the better side on paper and are likely to put on a score, but the Warriors are a team that can pull magic out of the hat and I think the strength of their forwards could cause issues. The Tricolours have enough firepower though to get home with what will probably be a comfortable enough victory, but a close game wouldn't be a shock. Roosters by 10.
Sydney Roosters Form Guide
