Contrasting form for the two teams coming into Sunday’s match, with the Roosters looking to bounce back from a heavy loss, while the Sharks scored a confidence-boosting win over a premiership contender.
Last round, the Roosters were heavily affected by their strong Origin representative with seven players out and they were no match for the red-hot Dolphins – who were also missing five of their own stars to Queensland selection – going down in a 48-10 loss.
The Sharks however stunned top-two side the Warriors, posting a gritty 10-8 away win across the ditch.
Five-eighth Braydon Trindall proved the match-winner, striking a stunning two-point field goal to seal the deal late for his side.
With both teams set to welcome back their Origin representative stars, it should present as an even match-up between two top-eight contenders.
Match: Roosters v Sharks
Round 16 -
home Team
Roosters
3rd Position
away Team
Sharks
5th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Roosters: Egan Butcher has been promoted to the starting line-up in place of Angus Crichton in Saturday's 24-hour update. The additional rest between Wednesday's Origin and Sunday's match is set to work in the Roosters favour with James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sam Walker, Reece Robson, Rob Toia, Lindsay Collins and Victor Radley all named to back up. Hugo Savala and Reece Foley have been ruled out after being placed in the concussion protocols.
Sharks: Origin hooker Blayke Brailey makes a shock return just three weeks after fracturing his arm while halfback Nicho Hynes is also back from a calf injury. Hynes' return sees Niwhai Peru shift to the bench. In another boost, Jesse Colquhoun is on track to take his place in the team after being cleared of a concussion following a head knock last week.
Match: Roosters v Sharks
Round 16 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Tommy TalauWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Billy SmithCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert ToiaCentre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark NawaqanitawaseWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-EvansFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Sharks is number 22 Nicholas Hynes
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu WhyteProp for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Sharks is number 21 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay CollinsProp for Sharks is number 10 Jesse Colquhoun
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Billy Burns
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Siosifa Talakai
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Salesi FoketiInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas Hazelton
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 22 Egan ButcherInterchange for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa Puru
Reserves
-
Reserve for Roosters is number 18 Rex BassingthwaighteReserve for Sharks is number 15 Oregon Kaufusi
-
Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Toby RodwellReserve for Sharks is number 19 Mawene Hiroti
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won five of their last six games at Allianz Stadium.
- The Sharks will play the Roosters at the new Allianz Stadium for the first time.
- Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored 12 tries in his last 10 games at Allianz Stadium.
- Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored eight tries in nine games against the Roosters.
- Roosters halfback Sam Walker has scored 58 points in his last three games at Allianz Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
