Roosters v Wests Tigers preview

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Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers Sunday 2:00pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

Sunday football kicks off with the Sydney Roosters hosting the embattled Wests Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium. 

The Roosters enjoyed the bye last weekend and head back home looking to continue to build on their recent back-to-back wins.

It was signalled as a transitional season for the Sydney Roosters but they sit in sixth spot on the ladder ready for an assault at the finals.

Their backline will still be mostly intact with youngster Tom Rodwell getting his shot on the wing which should hold them in good stead for this game. 

Benaiah Ioelu gets another chance at hooker highlighting a youthful pack and bench for the Roosters which might give their fans a glimpse into the future. 

If everything above hasn't convinced you, the Roosters also hold a commanding head-to-head record against the Tigers. They have won 30 of the 39 clashes between the two since 2000. 

Following a bright start to the season, it has gone to well shit for the Tigers and the joint venture is staring down another possible wooden spoon. 

Yes, there has been injuries, mid-season transfers and more deck shuffling than the World Series of Poker but the familiar dark clouds persist around Concord. 

Looking at their team this week, they will be without Jarome Luai due to Origin, Tallyn Da Silva has moved to Parramatta so it will leave them down to the bare bones. 

Add in that the Tigers have lost six in a row after a flat performance against the Sea Eagles and now must rely on another makeshift halves pairing. 

Can Latu Fainu and Adam Doueihi blend enough to give them a chance against a Roosters side that have shown they can pile on points for fun. 

Also, if there is another tough loss, how much closer do we get to a possible coaching change for the Wests Tigers and everything starting again. 

Last meeting: Round 17 2024 - Roosters 40 Wests Tigers 6

Who to watch: It is such a luxury for the Sydney Roosters to have James Tedesco available during the Origin period and he will direct things from the back for the tri-colours. He will combine well with the rest of their potent backline to produce points. 

Up front, Naufahu Whyte has been superb this season and he has lived up to some of the wraps he has got before he entered the NRL. He might need to take a big role with the Roosters having a very youthful side on the weekend. 

For the Wests Tigers, it is a big chance for Sunia Turuva getting a crack at the fullback position this weekend against one of the stalwarts. It is a shuffled backline for the joint venture but he can give them some bite in attack. 

They will have the services of Terrell May in the front row who started the season like a freight train but has recently more resembled a late running tangara. If he can muster a huge effort against his old club obviously, it might give them a sniff. 

Favourite: The Tricolours have all the support from the bookies here.

My tip: While they will be missing their Origin stars, the Roosters should still have enough firepower to put a score pup against a clawless Tigers outfit. Roosters by 30.

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Tom Rodwell 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Makahesi Makatoa 11. Egan Butcher 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Blake Steep 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Max McCathie 16. Taylor Losalu 17. Delasalle Vaa 18. Ethan King 19. Ethan Roberts 20. Chad Townsend 21. Ben Johnson 22. Tyler Moriarty

1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Luke Laulilii 4. Starford To'a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Tristan Hope 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Jack Bird 13. Alex Twal 14. Charlie Murray 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Kit Laulilii 19. Brent Naden 20. Royce Hunt 21. Solomona Faataape 22. Izaac Tu'itupou

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Kieren Irons, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Adam Gee;