The Roosters Crow: ANZAC Tradition Continues

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Fri 22 Apr 2022, 09:34 AM

Twenty years of ANZAC Day Cup matches culminate on Monday afternoon when the Roosters and Dragons add another chapter to this storied clash.

Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Two of the game's oldest rivals take the field on one of the biggest days of the regular season and at one of the most famous grounds in Rugby League - so you can bet this one will be an absolute must-see.

When speaking of ANZAC Day contests since 2002, while the Dragons hold the ledger at 11 wins, the Roosters have been dominant over the last few seasons, winning three of the last four contests on April 25.

That also includes last season's impressive 34-10 display which saw Sam Walker take home the coveted Ashton-Collier Spirit of ANZAC Medal as Man of the Match in the return of the Bondi Blue Wartime Jersey.

Easts carry momentum off the back of a three-match winning streak, while the Dragons broke a string of four consecutive losses to record a last-gasp win over Newcastle last round - but we all know form will have little impact on this one.

How They Line Up

Head Coach Trent Robinson has named a similar line up to the one which defeated the Warriors last week.

Paul Momirovski returns to the side in the centres after being a late withdrawal last week, while Siosiua Taukeiaho also returns to the line up. The remainder of the team is unchanged, with James Tedesco captaining the team at fullback.

Joseph Suaalii holds his place on the wing and will again line up alongside Daniel Tupou. Momirovski and Joey Manu will again make up the centre pairing, while Sam Walker and Luke Keary will continue to build their combination in the halves.

Round 6 - Round 6 - Sunday 17 Apr

Full Time

Roosters

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Reece Walsh
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou

Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Jesse Arthars
Centre for Roosters is number 5 Kevin Naiqama

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
Winger for Roosters is number 23 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Edward Kosi
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sam Walker

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
Hooker for Roosters is number 24 Drew Hutchison

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins

Prop for Warriors is number 16 Aaron Pene
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Euan Aitken
2nd Row for Roosters is number 16 Angus Crichton

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Bayley Sironen
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Warriors is number 13 Josh Curran

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 9 Sam Verrills

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Kodi Nikorima
Interchange for Roosters is number 11 Nat Butcher

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Bunty Afoa
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Fletcher Baker

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Eliesa Katoa
Interchange for Roosters is number 22 Daniel Suluka-Fifita

Interchange for Warriors is number 18 Taniela Otukolo

Reserves

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Lachlan Lam

Replacement for Warriors is number 25 Valingi Kepu

Match Officials

Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall

Last updated: 3/4/2024 11:32:49 PM

Lindsay Collins, Sam Verrills and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves line up in the front row, with the starting side rounded off with Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua and Victor Radley in the back row.

Drew Hutchison, Fletcher Baker, Nat Butcher and Taukeiaho make up the interchange bench, with Lachlan Lam named at 18th man.

Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Kevin Naiqama, Naufahu Whyte, Adam Keighran, Renouf Atoni and Ben Marschke make up this week's extended bench.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has named the same side which defeated the Knights last weekend and will be hoping for a similar result come Monday night.

Key Match Up: Sitili Tupouniua vs Jaydn Su'A

Two of the best young attacking backrowers in the competition come head to head on the edge in the battle between Sitili Tupouniua and Jaydn Su'A.

Sitili has had a solid start to the 2022 season, scoring two tries and making two linebreaks while featuring in each of the Roosters' six matches, maintaining a strong 91.3% tackle efficiency as he makes a home on the left-hand side.

His opposite Jaydn Su'A has had disciplinary troubles to start the year but has racked up similar numbers with two tries, and two linebreaks of his own in his five appearances at an 82.8% efficiency in defence.

Both 24-year-olds will be motivated to put in big performances on the big stage and bring home the ANZAC Day Cup in the process - so keep an eye on Tupouniua vs Su'A.

What They Said

"It’s a special week for everyone in Australia. To be able to play a small part in that it’s a special game and I can’t wait to get out there on Monday." - Luke Keary

"It's always a special one for me and for the Club. Robbo gets into it and he'll bring someone in or have a video for us prepared. It's always a big game at the SCG and it's always a sell-out as well." - Sam Verrills

"It's incredible. There's such an atmosphere and we love it as a Club and we know it's such an important game." - Nat Butcher

"To play on ANZAC Day, you feel really privileged to play. It's always a big occasion" - Joseph Manu

Your Verdict

There's more than just the two competition points to play for this Monday afternoon as two rivals come together to reignite one of the great Rugby League traditions.

Be sure to get your tickets here and get them quickly as it's sure to be yet another sell-out at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground and cheer on your men in Bondi Blue!

Roosters Members and supporters will be able to pre-order a 2022 Wartime Jersey OR purchase from the game - but be quick as stocks are limited!