Its unfamiliar territory for the top-of-the-table Sydney Roosters this week as they look to bounce back from a loss for the first time in eight weeks after going down by ten points in a brutal encounter with the Sharks on Monday night.
Trent Robinsons side were out enthused in a high-scoring first half at Remondis Stadium and although they managed a late surge to keep themselves in the game, the boys from the Shire managed to hold on for the upset and see the Bondi boys suffer their first loss in 10 Rounds.
Standing in between Robinsons side and getting back on the winners list however is a Titans side playing for their season, with the boys from the Gold Coast currently in a five-way tie for 8th spot on the NRL ladder.
A win this weekend would far from confirm a finals birth for John Cartwrights side, however a loss may signal the end of their season as the race heats up in one of the most closely-contested competitions in years.
Robinson welcomes back the invaluable experience of his skipper Anthony Minichiello for the Sunday arvo clash after the 270 game veteran was named to make his return after spending three weeks on the sideline with a knee injury.
Minichiellos return sees young-gun Samisoni Langi, who was yesterday named in the Holden Cup Team of the Year, return to the Under 20s competition after two weeks in the top grade.
Speedster Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will shift back to the wing after starring at in the No.1 shirt in Minis absence, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall moving back into his preferred role in the centres and Mitchell Aubusson back into the second row.
For the Titans, Greg Bird has been named to make a timely comeback from a back injury after backrowers Ashley Harrison and Mark Minichiello were ruled out by medical staff. Former Rooster Nate Myles will shift from the front row to lock in Harrisons absence.
Myles isnt the only former Chook that will line-up against old team mates this Sunday as Allianz Stadium also welcome back Brad Takairangi, who left the club prior to the 2013 season commencing as he chased game time in the NRL.
Takairangi played 29 games for the Tricolours across his three seasons in Bondi and will be undoubtedly out to show his worth against Shaun Kenny-Dowall in a mouth-watering match-up down one side of the field.
Another match-up sure to ignite the Allianz crowd is that of the No.6s James Maloney and the in-form Aidan Sezer. Two players with pin-point passing and kicking games, who are masters at guiding their sides around the paddock, the individual battle between who does it better may just decide who walks away with the two competition points.
The match will also be of extra importance to Maloney, who plays his 100th NRL match.
Kick Off is 3pm at Allianz Stadium and its set to be a blockbuster that any fan should ensure they dont miss as the Roosters set their sights on finishing their home season with a record-breaking average attendance.
Players, Coaches and Roosters HQ itself is calling on all Tricolours supporters to get to the game and are hoping for a 25,000 strong crowd to send off the boys in their final home showing.
With discounts available across the board for any type of fan, including a family able to attend for just $30, why not spend Fathers Day at the footy?
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Trent Robinsons side were out enthused in a high-scoring first half at Remondis Stadium and although they managed a late surge to keep themselves in the game, the boys from the Shire managed to hold on for the upset and see the Bondi boys suffer their first loss in 10 Rounds.
Standing in between Robinsons side and getting back on the winners list however is a Titans side playing for their season, with the boys from the Gold Coast currently in a five-way tie for 8th spot on the NRL ladder.
A win this weekend would far from confirm a finals birth for John Cartwrights side, however a loss may signal the end of their season as the race heats up in one of the most closely-contested competitions in years.
Robinson welcomes back the invaluable experience of his skipper Anthony Minichiello for the Sunday arvo clash after the 270 game veteran was named to make his return after spending three weeks on the sideline with a knee injury.
Minichiellos return sees young-gun Samisoni Langi, who was yesterday named in the Holden Cup Team of the Year, return to the Under 20s competition after two weeks in the top grade.
Speedster Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will shift back to the wing after starring at in the No.1 shirt in Minis absence, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall moving back into his preferred role in the centres and Mitchell Aubusson back into the second row.
For the Titans, Greg Bird has been named to make a timely comeback from a back injury after backrowers Ashley Harrison and Mark Minichiello were ruled out by medical staff. Former Rooster Nate Myles will shift from the front row to lock in Harrisons absence.
Myles isnt the only former Chook that will line-up against old team mates this Sunday as Allianz Stadium also welcome back Brad Takairangi, who left the club prior to the 2013 season commencing as he chased game time in the NRL.
Takairangi played 29 games for the Tricolours across his three seasons in Bondi and will be undoubtedly out to show his worth against Shaun Kenny-Dowall in a mouth-watering match-up down one side of the field.
Another match-up sure to ignite the Allianz crowd is that of the No.6s James Maloney and the in-form Aidan Sezer. Two players with pin-point passing and kicking games, who are masters at guiding their sides around the paddock, the individual battle between who does it better may just decide who walks away with the two competition points.
The match will also be of extra importance to Maloney, who plays his 100th NRL match.
Kick Off is 3pm at Allianz Stadium and its set to be a blockbuster that any fan should ensure they dont miss as the Roosters set their sights on finishing their home season with a record-breaking average attendance.
Players, Coaches and Roosters HQ itself is calling on all Tricolours supporters to get to the game and are hoping for a 25,000 strong crowd to send off the boys in their final home showing.
With discounts available across the board for any type of fan, including a family able to attend for just $30, why not spend Fathers Day at the footy?
BUY TICKETS NOW
