The final stretch of the regular season begins as the Sydney Roosters face rivals the St George Illawarra Dragons on the Central Coast in what is set to be an afternoon classic in Gosford.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Since 1921 the Roosters and Dragons have faced off against one another, and since 1999 Easts have taken the field against St George Illawarra.
Saturday will be the 47th time the Red, White and Blue and the red v face off, with the Roosters taking a slight advantage with 24 wins, while the Dragons claimed the spoils on ANZAC Day in a close encounter at the SCG in the last meeting.
Saturday will, however, mark the first time the two clubs have faced one another on the Central Coast in over a century of contests, with the men from Bondi claiming their last two matches at the venue.
The Roosters will be looking to return to the winner's circle after an unprecedented four consecutive defeats after enjoying the week off, while the Dragons will want to bounce back after a considerable defeat to the Brisbane Broncos last week.
How They Line Up
The Roosters will receive a welcomed boost with the return of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from the interchange bench with the enforcer set to take his place in the side for the first time since Round 12.
Paul Momirovski also comes into the starting side with Joseph Manu maintaining his spot at five-eighth after a stellar performance against the Penrith Panthers in Round 16.
Match: Roosters v Dragons
Round 18 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Dragons is number 1 Cody Ramsey
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew Feagai
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Billy SmithCentre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese Suli
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso SuaaliiWinger for Dragons is number 5 Tautau Moga
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Joseph ManuFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau Amone
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua TaukeiahoProp for Dragons is number 10 Blake Lawrie
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam VerrillsHooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCullough
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Prop for Roosters is number 16 Nat ButcherProp for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'a
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua2nd Row for Dragons is number 21 Billy Burns
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Dragons is number 11 Jack Bird
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Dragons is number 8 Francis Molo
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan ButcherInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Moses Mbye
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Interchange for Roosters is number 18 Drew HutchisonInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Aaron Woods
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Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Matthew LodgeInterchange for Dragons is number 22 Josh McGuire
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 24 Terrell MayReplacement for Dragons is number 18 Michael Molo
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Captain James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Lindsay Collins and Angus Crichton have all been named to back up from State of Origin duties, while new face Matt Lodge has been named in the no.19 jersey.
The Dragons will be without hardman Tariq Sims after pleading guilty for a high tackle charge, but will receive a boost in the form of skipper Ben Hunt following State of Origin.
Easts will be determined to claim a win for Trent Robinson, who becomes the first Roosters boss to coach 250 games for the Club.
Key Match Up: Sam Walker vs Talatau Amone
A pair of 20-year-old halves will be out to take this match by the scruff of the neck when they oppose one another for the first time.
Sam Walker has been the shining light for the Red, White and Blue, continuing his scintillating form from his debut season with five tries, seven line drop-outs and as many assists.
His prowess with the ball in hand earned him a call up to the Queensland Maroons' State of Origin camp ahead of the decider, with the experience no doubt to add plenty of value to his fledgling career.
Walker's opponent this week comes in the form of another talented youngster, Talatau Amone, who has taken hold of the Dragons' no.6 jersey in 2022 after his inaugural year in the NRL.
The fellow 20-year-old has himself scored a solitary try, provided nine while forcing his opponents behind their try line five times in a side that will be looking to regain their momentum.
With both the Roosters and Dragons determined to regain momentum as the run to the finals begins, look no further than the youthful halves to spring to action.
Final Verdict
After the week off following an almighty effort against the defending Premiers, it's fair to say that the Sydney Roosters will be primed to bring home the two competition points this Saturday.
Roosters Members and supporters will be treated to an open training session this Friday in Gosford prior to a double header as the Jersey Flegg side face the Dragons in a top-four battle as they continue their charge at the top of the ladder.
Be sure to grab your tickets here for what is expected to be a blockbusting weekend of Rugby League on the Central Coast!
