Round 18: Roosters v Dragons preview
JWH enters the history books as Dragons seek revenge
It will be a history making occasion at Allianz Stadium this Sunday as Jared Waerea-Hargraves becomes the most capped Rooster in history as the Roosters take on the Dragons.
In the Roosters' proud history, only four players have played 300 club games for the club. On Sunday, JWH adds yet another chapter to his storied legacy. The Roosters have been great to watch with the ball, averaging 30 points a game showcasing the attacking transition under Justin Holbrook's keen eye in 2024. Sam Walker has matured beyond his years with a strong 2024, while James Tedesco has been superb at the back, while Dom Young and Daniel Tupou have defied the club's centre shortage to cross for fun this season.
Minds will be drawn back to ANZAC Day where the Roosters unleashed a 60 point massacre on the Dragons. However, given the Dragons form revival since that point, a closer contest is expected between the two teams. So, expect the Roosters to be aggressive up front, especially with the quadruple impact of May, Whyte, Leniu and Butcher coming off the pine. The major concern is at centre with Sitili Tupouniua and Michael Jennings getting the call to cover for the mass casualties at the position. Expect these two to try and outmuscle their opposite number but up against Mosese Suli, that's easier said than done.
Onto St George Illawarra, it's been a season of unpredictability in the way they play. One week, they play well against a side they're expected to lose to, while the next play poorly in a match they have a decent chance of winning. The classic example is a fortnight ago, Manly were down to 13 fit players and still found a way to defeat the Dragons. While last week at Kogarah,
It's easy to see the Dragons will be out for revenge after the aforementioned 60 point shellacking in April. The physical battle will be where it is won and lost for the Red V I feel. Expect big showings from their starting forwards and some much needed impact and starch coming off the bench, looking to frustrate the Roosters into mistakes. Suli may fancy himself out wide in the face of a weaker match-up so expect their left-edge to be a target zone for the Dragons. On the team front, Zac Lomax returns replacing the injured Mat Feagai. Elsewhere, the team is settled with Jack Bird an outside chance to return in the reserves.
Last meeting: Round 8 2024 - Dragons 18 Roosters 60
Who to watch: The focus on the Roosters has to be on JWH in his milestone match. What more needs to be said about one of the greatest front-rowers of the modern era. Yes, he can be a loose cannon but the impact, energy and leadership he brings will go down in Roosters culture. His footwork in the middle third hasn't wavered at his age and is still a handful for opposition defences. Expect JWH to fire in what will be an emotional day at the Stadium.
In a game vital to St George Illawarra's finals chances. It is time for Tyrell Sloan to inject life into the future of the Dragons spine. The club has made a big investment in Sloan and it is time for a big return on said investment. With Ben Hunt coming towards the end of his career, Sloan will soon become the leader of the spine and attacking output. He has shown glimpses and promise all the way through his career, but has lacked that big standout game which will allow him to kick on and go stride for stride. Watch for this afternoon to be that game.
FAVOURITE: Roosters are heavy favourites in this clash at Allianz Stadium. The Dragons are winless at the venue in their two most recent clashes.
MY TIP: The omens are on the Roosters side in this one, but I think they have just a bit too much strike power to get home in this one. With JWH's record breaking knock serving as great motivation, it's hard to see this match as anything other than a Roosters victory. I expect the Dragons to show fight all the way to the final whistle and demonstrate improvement on ANZAC Day though. Roosters by 12.
