Round 3: Roosters v Wests Tigers preview
The Sydney Roosters will be chasing back to back wins when they face the winless Wests Tigers at Industree Group Stadium.
The Roosters rebounded quite nicely after a disappointing opening game with a 28-12 win over the Brisbane Broncos. The tri-colours punished the Broncos for many mistakes with the football and ran riot. The addition of Sam Bremner has been welcomed, given how disappointing their attack was against Newcastle. Bremner's addition gave the Roosters some much needed structure and allowed Isabelle Kelly and Tarryn Aitken to build their combination. Their forwards were outstanding with Millie Elliott tearing her old side apart in the middle. Olivia Kernick was another that caused problems while Aliyah Nasio continued a strong rookie season. Amber Hall also returned from injury in a good performance. To beat the Tigers, there will be an emphasis on completion rate and dominating the Tigers in defence. Shutting down Sarah Togatuki and not allowing the halves (who are very nimble and quick) to run circles around them will be paramount for victory. Jocelyn Kelleher will come into the starting side as lock. Aliyah Nasio will move to the bench.
Brett Kimmorley's ladies have had a slow start to season 2024. After a disappointing first half against the Raiders, since then they have been consistent and a touch unlucky to lose to the Titans. The Tigers started well and led 12-6, but some poor lapses in concentration allowed the Titans to run away with victory and leave the Tigers win-less in 2024. Losana Lutu has been a great find in the halves and has worked hard in their opening matches. Christian Pio was another to shine in the middle. For the Tigers to beat the Roosters. They need to frustrate the tri-colours by forcing them to make mistakes. Attacking execution for the Roosters still remains a small problem so if they can limit the attacking chances the Roosters have, then they are on track for their maiden win of the season. Defensively they missed a staggering 26 tackles per game, against a team with the attacking skills of the Roosters, making effective first contact will be significant. Brett Kimmorley has named an unchanged line-up.
Last meeting: Round 6 2023 - Roosters 48 Wests Tigers 10
Who to watch: My focus is on Amber Hall. After being an important signing last year, Hall only made it through half of her Roosters debut before being injured. After having to comeback through the Harvey Norman Women's Premiership, Hall made a big impact in her season debut last weekend. Against a mobile Tigers pack, look for Hall to make her mark at the Roosters.
For the Tigers, I am focusing on Kezie Apps. Apps has been huge for the Tigers last season and has started brilliantly this season. Apps will be utilised significantly on Saturday, the Roosters are still tinkering with their edge combinations so it wouldn't surprise me if Apps running some effective lines will cause problems.
MY TIP: Too many stars for the Roosters not to win in this one. Just the only thing that could hold the Roosters back is complacency, and that's where the Tigers could get them in this one. Especially if the Roosters don't start well. Roosters by 14.
