The stage is set for the Sydney Roosters to return to their heartland in an action-packed Saturday afternoon of rugby league.
The Tricolours welcome the New Zealand Warriors to Allianz Stadium for the first time since March 2018 in a double-header that features NSW Cup at 12:40pm, with the NRL kicking-off at 3pm.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs New Zealand Warriors
On Saturday, the Roosters will take on the Warriors for the 45th time in history, looking to claim their sixth consecutive win over the New Zealand based club.
Last time they met, both clubs united to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the 2002 NRL Grand Final, with the Roosters coming away with the victory that day, downing the Warriors 22-14 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Warriors currently have a one-win advantage over the Roosters across all matches played between one another, and Easts will look to level the scores this Saturday.
Both clubs recorded mixed results over the weekend with the Roosters suffering an agonising loss to the Dolphins, while the Warriors are in high spirits after crushing the Knights in Wellington.
How They Line Up
Trent Robinson’s side features Joseph Manu for the first time in 2023, with the centre returning from a facial fracture he suffered during the squad’s pre-season camp in New Zealand. The head coach named one big change 24-hours prior to kick-off, calling on 20-year-old Naufahu Whyte to replace Victor Radley at lock.
Looking to bounce-back from their opening round loss, the Roosters line-up remains relatively unchanged. Fletcher Baker will start in the number 10 jersey, replacing Matt Lodge, who faces a six-week recovery period for an upper facial fracture. Ben Thomas comes into the side this week to fill Whyte’s spot on the interchange bench.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster has named an unchanged 17 following their first-round win against the Knights. Players to watch include captain and starting lock, Tohu Harris and playmaker Shaun Johnson who will line up against Sam Walker at halfback.
Match: Roosters v Warriors
Round 2 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Warriors is number 2 Edward Kosi
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso SuaaliiCentre for Warriors is number 3 Brayden Wiliame
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jaxson PauloWinger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke KearyFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Te Maire Martin
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay CollinsProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon SmithHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Fletcher BakerProp for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Egan Butcher2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Ford
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore
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Lock for Roosters is number 16 Naufahu WhyteLock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Jake TurpinInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Dylan Walker
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Drew HutchisonInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Bunty Afoa
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell MayInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Josh Curran
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Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Ben ThomasInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Tom Ale
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Corey AllanReplacement for Warriors is number 23 Bayley Sironen
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Ben Cummins
Last updated:
Key Match Up
Two playmakers will go toe-to-toe in the halves on Saturday when young Sam Walker meets seasoned Shaun Johnson in a mouth-watering clash.
A 12-years and 181 NRL games separates Walker and Johnson, but age and experience are not an issue for the 2021 Dally M Rookie of the Year, who will take the opportunity to call the shots and set up plays from across the field.
In 2022, the 20-year-old kicked 91 goals, made 15 offloads and set up 16 tries across 25 games, he was also named in the extended squad for the Queensland Maroons. He’ll be looking to carry his first-round goal-kicking form into Saturday’s clash to get the Roosters over the line.
His fellow number 7, Shaun Johnson, enters his 10th season at the Warriors, after re-joining the Club in 2022 following a three-year stint at the Cronulla Sharks. Last year, Johnson kicked 14 goals before handing the conversion duties over to Reece Walsh.
The 32-year-old Warrior has the upper-hand when it comes to statistics, but Walker’s career so far proves the young powerhouse will reach new heights as a playmaker in 2023.
What They Said
"We’ve got to be better, we know that and we’ve got to be better straight away for this weekend." – Luke Keary
"I’m just really happy to be here and it’s been a really good change for me mentally I’m really happy lifestyle-wise." - Jake Turpin
Trent Robinson Media | Roosters vs Warriors
Final Verdict
With the return of Joey Manu, the Roosters will throw all they can at the Warriors in front of a home crowd at Allianz Stadium on Saturday to secure the win. Needing to recover from their first-round loss to the Dolphins, they’ll be raring to go come 3pm.
The Warriors will be aiming for back-to-back opening round wins for just the fourth time in their history, they’ll also be looking to overturn their six-game Sydney loss streak.
Head in early to catch our NSW Cup side when take on the Warriors, kicking off at 12:40pm. Merivale will be offering $9 Great Northern beers between 1pm and 3pm in the lead up to the NRL fixture.
You can purchase your tickets for Saturday’s game here. If you can’t make it to Suncorp Stadium, be sure to attend Easts Bondi Junction, where you can watch the game live from Artie’s Bar. Players will also be hosting a signing session at the venue following the game, with happy hour running from 5pm-7pm.
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