Round 9: Warriors v Roosters preview
It's a bit tricky to determine which of the Warriors and Sydney Roosters are in better form after last weekends performances by both teams.
The Roosters two game losing run ended with a much improved yet still unconvincing victory over the Dragons 27-26. The Roosters were looking very strong early in their match against the Dragons before allowing their opponents back into the game, and then they took the game back after the halftime break, before allowing the Dragons to again get back into the game, conceding 3 tries in 9 minutes. This constant phasing in and out of games has been the clubs biggest issue all season.
Their rather limited attacking range, prior to last weekend had been an issue too. They've seemingly been focussing heavily on completing their sets and hit ups. Last weekend though, they executed some width and variation in their attack and looked vastly better for it. Their defence was mostly solid, but their left edge was exposed several times for poor reads.
The Warriors in contrast lost to the somewhat erratic Storm (compared to the traditionally exceptional Storm performances) 30-22, despite leading 18-12 at halftime, but a mounting injury toll in the second half allowed the Storm to claim the lead and the victory. Yet, despite injuries to forwards Jazz Tevaga, Tohu Harris and Bayley Sironen as well as fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, the Warriors still kept themselves in the game and in with a chance until the dying stages in a brave and committed performance.
The Warriors performances in both attack and defence this year have been markedly and impressively better than in previous seasons and it took a multitude of injuries, for arguably the best side of the last decade, to record a narrow victory over them.
Last meeting: Round 2 2023 - Roosters 20 Warriors 12
Who to watch: Shaun Johnson has been reborn in 2023 and playing some of his best football in years. His organising and direction at halfback has been at its best, racking up 8 try assists, just 1 behind the best in the NRL, while he is also second for Line Break involvements and third for line break assists. In short, the Warriors are not just scoring points through Johnson, but they are also getting through the opposition defences courtesy of him as well.
Luke Keary looked much more comfortable and the Roosters attack looked far more dangerous with him at halfback. More impressively, he did it despite much assistance, playmaking wise, from his five-eighth Joey Manu and hooker Brandon Smith. Both men played strong games, but were playing very direct football and barely involved in the creative side of the attack. Expect that to change in this game somewhat, which will see the Roosters attack throw even more shape and variation at the Warriors defences.
The favourite: The Roosters will start this match as favourites, based largely on the fact they are coming off a win and they have won their last 6 games against the Warriors. Add to the mix the Warriors injury toll as well.
My tip: Roosters by 14.
