Plenty of big bodies, some lightning speed backs and a mass amount of representatives, a huge battle awaits on Friday night as the Roosters prepare to take on the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium.
So what is there to like about this match? Whether it be the Captain America Jersey, the top eight battle, the fact it’s on our turf or all of the above, it’s hard to overlook the history of these two clubs and the epic battles between them.
It’s the Roosters second meeting with the Bulldogs this season, after defeating them 24-10 at ANZ Stadium in Round 10. There is no easy battle against this outfit though, as they’ll be trying to level the field and the Roosters will be looking to sweep.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Number One: It’s rocket Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who had an absolute blinder the last time he faced the Bulldogs, up against the veteran speedster Brett Morris. What makes this such an interesting battle, is that these two players couldn’t be more different, what Morris lacks in footwork he makes up for in pure speed and strength, while Roger boasts more razzle dazzle and footwork.
Playing in the number one jersey as the first choice fullback for the first time in his career, Brett Morris is feeling his way into it nicely. No matter how you look at this battle, both players have a massive job on their hands on Friday night, and there’s no telling what will happen if they show up for a big one.
Half Blue: The most intriguing match-up to come out of this clash is the Blues halves going head-to-head. Pearce and Hodkinson had an up and down Origin series, showing some potential in the opening game, dominating the second and crashing in the third.
Mitchell Pearce took over the five eighth position so Hodkinson could fill in the halfback shoes. Though the State of Origin series didn’t end in a victory, neither have let it affect them when it comes to club footy.
It’s the first time these two have been on the same field since the third Origin, and we’re interested to see how this one pans out.
Big Ten: Dylan Napa will have the very difficult assignment of facing veteran Captain James Graham this weekend. If there’s anything we know about these players it’s that they can put on a shot when they need to and both play a very physical style of game.
Napa will need to stand his ground against Graham and it definitely won’t be an easy job.
VERDICT
This game is big, whether you read that as occasion, size of contest or size of player, you are definitely not wrong.
Both teams boast big forward packs, and that is the real key to opening up this game.
Waerea-Hargreaves, Napa, Moa and Evans will no doubt have their hands full, and will desperately need to turn up and play tough (or dare we say put in a ‘Super Hero’ effort) or risk serious danger signs against a team that can roll up the middle, pack on points in a hurry and is far from easily intimidated.
We need all our fans at the game on Friday night! Make sure you get behind the boys as we prepare to take on the Bulldogs in our Captain America Jersey. Tickets Here
