With their 2023 season on the line, the Sydney Roosters will make the trip to PointsBet Stadium this weekend to face the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in what promises to be a blockbuster.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Saturday's Elimination Final marks the 101st clash between the Roosters and Sharks, since the latter entered the competition in 1967.
Since 2017, the mighty Tricolours have taken home the two competition points in seven of their eight encounters with Cronulla, but the hosts were too strong back in Round 7, prevailing 22-12.
The last time the two teams met in the first week of finals was back in 2018, where Easts cruised to a 21-12 victory at Allianz Stadium.
Both teams enter the do-or-die match off the back of comprehensive Round 27 wins. The Roosters are hunting their sixth consecutive victory, while the Sharks have won four of their past five matches.
Round 7 Match Highlights: Roosters vs Sharks
How They Line Up
Trent Robinson has listed one change to the team that overcame the South Sydney Rabbitohs last week, with the inclusion of Joseph Manu in the centres.
James Tedesco will once again lead the team from fullback, with Fetalaiga Pauga and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wings. Manu will partner Billy Smith in the centres, completing the back line.
Luke Keary and Sam Walker will continue to steer the Roosters from the halves, while Fletcher Baker, Brandon Smith and Lindsay Collins will feature in the front-row for the must-win battle.
Siua Wong and Nat Butcher make up the second row, with Victor Radley rounding out the starting side at lock.
Sandon Smith, Egan Butcher, Terrell May and Angus Crichton have been named on the interchange bench, with Drew Hutchison, Naufahu Whyte, Corey Allan, Jaxson Paulo and Dylan Napa on the extended bench.
Match: Sharks v Roosters
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione KatoaWinger for Roosters is number 2 Fetalaiga Pauga
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa TalakaiCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Toby RudolfProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
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Prop for Sharks is number 15 Royce HuntProp for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Siua Wong
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
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Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnesLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack WilliamsInterchange for Roosters is number 8 Fletcher Baker
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Thomas HazeltonInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon Smith
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Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Oregon KaufusiInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Terrell May
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Interchange for Sharks is number 20 Jesse ColquhounInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Angus Crichton
Reserves
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Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Kayal IroReplacement for Roosters is number 20 Corey Allan
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Cronulla Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's showdown. Despite being able to finish the Round 27 clash, early indications point towards fullback Connor Tracey being available.
Daniel Atkinson, Matt Moylan and Will Kennedy who continues his recovery from a hamstring issue, would come into contention to replace Tracey were he to be ruled out later in the week.
Castore Key Match Up: Victor Radley vs Cameron McInnes
Two passionate firebrands who wear their heart on their sleeve will meet in the middle on Saturday night, when Victor Radley faces Cameron McInnes.
The English International has bagged two tries, made nine offloads and broken 22 tackles as a ballplayer, but it's his bone-rattling defence that has kept the Tricolours alive in tough clashes.
Radley has made 723 total tackles in his 19 appearances throughout the regular season for a tackle efficiency rating of 92.6%.
McInnes has been just as impressive for the Sharks in 2023, claiming three tries, making seven offloads and averaging 108 run metres per match.
The 29-year-old broke the record for most tackles made in a match six weeks ago and will be looking to produce a similar performance to help the Sharks to victory on Saturday.
This match is destined to be full of entertainment in the engine room - but it could be the influence of these two dynamic locks that settles the score for season 2023.
What They Said
"Our confidence has grown, it's built over the past couple of week and we're really looking forward to the finals beginning." - Nat Butcher
Final Verdict
With everything to play for, the Sydney Roosters will be determined to keep their season alive with a victory over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on Saturday night.
If you missed out on tickets to see the Roosters take on the Sharks live from PointsBet Stadium, be sure to head to Easts Bondi Junction, where you can watch both the Roosters NRL and NRLW matches live and loud on the big screens!
With plenty of benefits including priority to purchase finals tickets, merchandise discounts as well as the best seating at Allianz Stadium, be sure to Call Yourself a Rooster in 2024 with Sydney Roosters Membership!
