It’s a new week for the Sydney Roosters and one that is anything but a breeze, as they head to Central Coast Stadium for a Sunday afternoon clash with the New Zealand Warriors.
The Roosters put on a much-improved performance against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles last week, falling just two points short of a victory.
After a slow start to the season, the Warriors hit the ground running last week with a massive win over the Newcastle Knights to put themselves on the winners list for the year.
With a number of attacking weapons across the park, the Roosters have a big job on their hands to stop the potent Warriors attack.
One weapon in particular under the spotlight is Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who will be playing against his former team for the first time.
KEY MATCH-UPS | LATRELL MITCHELL VS ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK
Young up-and-comer Latrell Mitchell meets the razzle dazzle of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck this week in a fullback battle of two different kinds of talent.
While Tuivasa-Sheck boasts blinding speed and impressive footwork, Latrell Mitchell makes his impact with his deceptive strength and speed.
Mitchell is still finding his way in the NRL, but what better time to fire up than when you're facing the player that used to have your spot?
JAKE FRIEND VS ISAAC LUKE: I Believe We've Met Before...
A headache for any opposition, Isaac Luke has a style of play that is tough to handle.
His runs out of dummy-half have made his style of play famous, while his toughness, strength and speed all play a big part in the strike power he offers to his team.
Now with a new home in 2016, Luke will match up against a man that he has faced more than his fair share of times in Roosters Captain Jake Friend.
Our skipper is known for his own tough style of play and there have been some entertaining battles between the two, with Friend no-doubt keen to shut down his opposing dummy-half on Sunday afternoon.
MITCHELL AUBUSSON VS SIMON MANNERING: Steady The Ship
Both as steady as you could want for their respective sides, Mitchell Aubusson and Simon Mannering are on offer this Sunday to steady the ships.
Mannering has been solid for the Warriors for many years, with the veteran playing a clearly defined role within his side over the years.
Aubusson has been one of the better players for the Roosters so far this season, playing big minutes and providing what the team needs as per usual.
He spent much of last season in many different positions, but has made a home in the second row this year, and looks the goods to stay there for some time.
LAST FIVE
2015. Roosters DEF Warriors | 24-0 | at Allianz Stadium
2015. Roosters DEF Warriors | 25-21 | at Mt Smart Stadium
2014. Roosters DEF Warriors | 46-12 | at Mt Smart Stadium
2013. Warriors DEF Roosters | 23-12 | at Allianz Stadium
2013. Roosters DEF Warriors | 16-14 | at Eden Park
VERDICT
The Roosters will need to be on top of their game in attack and defence if they are any chance of taking down the Warriors on Sunday.
With attacking weapons all over the park, the line will have to be locked up tight or the Roosters might be in for a long afternoon.
There have been some entertaining tussles between these two sides over the years, and there’s every indication that this weekend will be no different.
It's going to be a massive game and the Roosters are keen to get on the winners list in 2016.
