Its a tale of two very different sides this week when the Roosters play the Tigers in the final match of Round 23.
The high-flying Roosters are chasing eight straight after last weekend downing the Raiders in a brutal encounter at next Mondays venue, Allianz Stadium, to consolidate top spot on the NRL ladder as the final month of competition begins.
The Tigers however are coming off the back of their fifth straight loss and, now out of finals contention, are looking to ensure they dont finish the year with the wooden spoon.
Both sides skippers Anthony Minichiello and Robbie Farah are still missing through injury but Mick Potters men do welcome back some experience in the form of winger Lote Tuqiri, who returns for his first NRL match since mid 2012.
On the other side of the field the Roosters welcome back their own dual-international in the form of Sonny Bill Williams, with the backrower a straight swap in the backrow for the injured Boyd Cordner after missing two weeks through suspension.
Cordner is set to miss anywhere from 6-10 weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in last Saturdays win over the Raiders.
Williams will return to his right side position outside Mitchell Pearce, with the NSW halfback set to make his 150th NRL and Roosters appearance in the match seeing him become the second youngest in the games history to reach the milestone.
Pearce will face off with former halves partner Braith Anasta in the clash, with the former Tricolours skipper set to face off against his former side for the first time since his move West for the 2013 season.
Albeit at Allianz Stadium the clash is a home game for the Tigers and they will be undoubtedly out to show their pre-season meeting at the same venue wont be a preview for what is to come, with Trent Robinsons side prevailing on the night to claim the 2013 Foundation Cup in style.
The high-flying Roosters are chasing eight straight after last weekend downing the Raiders in a brutal encounter at next Mondays venue, Allianz Stadium, to consolidate top spot on the NRL ladder as the final month of competition begins.
The Tigers however are coming off the back of their fifth straight loss and, now out of finals contention, are looking to ensure they dont finish the year with the wooden spoon.
Both sides skippers Anthony Minichiello and Robbie Farah are still missing through injury but Mick Potters men do welcome back some experience in the form of winger Lote Tuqiri, who returns for his first NRL match since mid 2012.
On the other side of the field the Roosters welcome back their own dual-international in the form of Sonny Bill Williams, with the backrower a straight swap in the backrow for the injured Boyd Cordner after missing two weeks through suspension.
Cordner is set to miss anywhere from 6-10 weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in last Saturdays win over the Raiders.
Williams will return to his right side position outside Mitchell Pearce, with the NSW halfback set to make his 150th NRL and Roosters appearance in the match seeing him become the second youngest in the games history to reach the milestone.
Pearce will face off with former halves partner Braith Anasta in the clash, with the former Tricolours skipper set to face off against his former side for the first time since his move West for the 2013 season.
Albeit at Allianz Stadium the clash is a home game for the Tigers and they will be undoubtedly out to show their pre-season meeting at the same venue wont be a preview for what is to come, with Trent Robinsons side prevailing on the night to claim the 2013 Foundation Cup in style.
