Trent Robinson has named his side for this Saturday's Round 19 showdown with the Penrith Panthers in a triple-header of action at Allianz Stadium in the only arvo game of our 2014 season.
Despite the BYE last Round and the return of Origin stars for the clash with the table-topping boys from the foot of the mountains, the Head Coach has been forced into changes to his side after the news this morning that NSW star Daniel Tupou is out for six weeks.
Tupou joins fellow NSW and left-edge team mate Michael Jennings on the sidelines with the same injury, which he sustained in the Blues loss to the Maroons in Game III of the 2014 Series at Suncorp Stadium on July 9.
Fellow Origin stars Boyd Cordner and Aidan Guerra are however fit and raring to go, with both named to start by Robinson alongside Sonny Bill Williams in the backrow.
In Tupou's absence once again, youngster Brendan Elliot has been named for his second NRL match with fellow Holden Cup speedster Nene Macdonald named on the right wing in place of the injuredRoger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Tuivasa-Sheck has been unable to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in the lead up to Round 17 and has not been named.
Fullback and Captain Anthony Minichiello will take his place at the back of a new-look backline after leaving the field in the loss to the Sharks a fortnight ago with a cork.
Cordner and Guerra's return sees Dylan Napa and Isaac Liu return to the bench alongside Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Remi Casty and Heath L'Estrange, with one to be omitted prior to kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
[CLICK HERE] to purchase tickets to the Round 19 triple-header against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday afternoon at Allianz Stadium.
Roosters: Anthony Minichiello (c), Brendan Elliot, Mitchell Aubusson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Nene Macdonald, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce (vc), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (vc), Jake Friend (vc), Sam Moa, Boyd Cordner, Sonny Bill Williams, Aidan Guerra
Bench: Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Isaac Liu, Dylan Napa, Remi Casty, Heath L'Estrange
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