NRL Match Preview - Round 2

Trent Robinson's Roosters will this weekend return home to Allianz Stadium for the first time in 2014 when the Parramatta Eels arrive for Round 2 of the 2014 NRL Premiership.

The reigning Premiers will be out for their first win since last season's decider after a season-opening loss to the Rabbitohs last Thursday night, while the Brad Arthur coached Eels will be keen to make it two from two after a Round 1 romp of the Warriors.

Both sides have lost players through suspension with Roosters backrower Sonny Bill Williams rubbed out of the game for three weeks following an 80th minute shoulder charge in Round 1 and Parramatta hooker Nathan Peats will also be sidelined, following an NRL Integrity Unit punishment.

Mitchell Aubusson will wear the vacated number twelve jersey in SBW’s absence, shifting from the bench into the backrow alongside Vice-Captain Boyd Cordner and lock Frank-Paul Nuuasala.

Aubusson’s place on the bench has been taken by new recruit Remi Casty, named for the first time in an NRL side after making the move to Bondi from the South of France over the Pre-Season.

Casty is joined on an extended bench by utility Daniel Mortimer, backrower Aidan Guerra, young front-rowers Dylan Napa and Kane Evans and fellow 2014 recruit Siosiua Taukeiaho.

Evans and Taukeiaho are the only new additions to the side, alongside the Frenchman Casty, and if named will make their first appearance for the Club.

Evans would also be making his NRL debut.

Peats' place will be taken by young-gun Kaysa Pritchard, who was named in Arthur's side yesterday afternoon to make his NRL debut on Saturday night.
 

Tickets are still available for our first home game of 2014 and can be purchased by [CLICKING HERE]

The sides met on two occasions in 2013 with the boys from Bondi coming out victorious in both matches, including a record-breaking 50-0 win in Round 4.

Speedster Roger Tuivasa-Sheck claimed a hat-trick in the history-making win, which was also the biggest win over the Eels in Roosters history and former Tricolours mentor Ricky Stuart's biggest ever loss an NRL Head Coach.

2013 RESULTS

Round 4
Sydney Roosters 50 def Parramatta Eels 0 at Allianz Stadium.

Round 13
Sydney Roosters 38 def Parramatta Eels 24 at Parramatta Stadium.

The sides will this weekend however enter the battle with 2013 well and truly behind them, for different reasons, but nonetheless focused on building their 2014 campaigns with a win on Saturday night.

Robinson's side were admittedly flat in their season-opener against the Bunnies and, without SBW, will need to be on song through the middle of the field as the young, energetic Eels forward pack look to build on their impressive showing against the Warriors.

The likes of Roosters big men Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Moa and Frank-Paul Nuuasala clashing with Tim Mannah, Fuifui Moimoi and Darcy Lussick present a mouth-watering battle in the midfield that will only add to the excitement when the ball is shifted wide.

Both Eels wingers Semi Radradra and Vai Toutai crossed for hat-trick's in last week's win, but will this weekend face off against two of arguably the most exciting young outside backs in the game in the form of Tuivasa-Sheck and the high-flying Daniel Tupou.

However it's the battle of two men that could potentially serve together later in the year for NSW in the State of Origin series that has everybody talking.

In his 150th NRL appearance, the rapid Michael Jennings will go toe-to-toe with the returning Will Hopoate down the Roosters left-edge in a battle that could well decide the match.

Jennings crossed in spectacular fashion in last week's loss and is no stranger to any Stadium's try line, Australia and world wide, but will have his plate full on Saturday night when Hopoate lines up.

MATCH DETAILS

Date: 15 March, 2014
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
Gates Open: 5.00pm
NYC Kick Off: 5.15pm
NRL Kick Off: 7.30pm

Match Hashtag: #NYCSydPar / #NRLSydPar

Club News Hashtag: #RWBLegacy

MATCH OFFICIALS

Head Referee: Gavin Badger
Assistant Ref: Brett Suttor
Touchies: Luke Potter / Matt Noyen
Video Refs: Chris Ward / Matt Rodwell

[CLICK HERE] to check out the most up-to-date Odds ahead of Saturday's match, thanks to sportsbet.com.au

Tickets are still available for our first home game of 2014 and can be purchased by [CLICKING HERE]