Dragons v Roosters preview

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Anzac Day rivalry heats up with a win vital for both sides. 

This should be an interesting one. Both sides are desperate for competition points having had seasons so far that haven't exactly satisfied their expectations.

St George Illawarra have had issues with their attack all year which has stretched back to last year. Try as they might, the Red V havent clicked and haven't looked like posting points in many of their games this year. They will be hoping that a match against a young and inexperienced Roosters side will give them the impetus to get their attack on track in 2016. Last week's win over the Titans was a good start, but they need to start winning games like this - against other struggling teams - to be a shot at the top eight.

The Sydney Roosters have had a torrid year so far and will be aiming this game as a way to turn their season around. Positive performances have been coming of late and the impending return of Mitch Pearce, Boyd Cordner and Jared Waerea Hargreaves gives confidence in the coming weeks. There are even suggestions Cordner may feature in the Anzac Day contest this round. It's always a huge occasion for both these sides and as usual it should be a game of epic proportions between two clubs that have lots of history with each other.

Last meeting: Round 15 2015 - Dragons 14 Roosters 19

The Dragons have only won one of the last seven matches between these two sides, but on ANZAC Day the last eight clashes have gone in their favour six to two. 

Who to watch: For the Dragons their forward pack has been laying the platform for their backs this year. Keep an eye on the talented Jack De Belin who has been a tackling machine for the red v. He has added more to his game by adding a strong running game as well as being one of the leaders of the Dragons side. Look for his strong defense in the middle of the field as well as his ability to create second phase play with his offloads. 

For the Roosters, Latrell Mitchell has been a real find this season. The 18 year old has speed to burn and his vision when he finds open space is years ahead of his age. Look for his support play particularly if and when the tri Colours make a break. Dragons will need to be at their best to stop this young speedster.

The favourite: Dragons slight favourites after recording a win last start.

My tip: Roosters for me in this clash. The Dragons' struggles for points will hurt them and the tri-colours have lots of points in them. The battle in the forwards in the first 20 minutes will decide the outcome of this game. Roosters by 12.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa 15. Will Matthews 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Michael Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Russell Packer 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Siliva Havili 19. Taane Milne

1. Latrell Mitchell 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 21. Joe Burgess 19. Ryan Matterson 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Mitchell Aubusson 22. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra
Interchange: 14. Kane Evans 15. Mitchell Frei 16. Eloni Vunakece 17. Connor Watson

Referees: Ben Cummins, Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Russell Turner; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Bryan Norrie, Bernard Sutton;