· Tom
2018 NRL – St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Wednesday 25th April, 07:10 (UK)
Where? Allianz Stadium
What channel is it on? UK - St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters will not be televised live in the UK Australia - Nine Network, Foxtel, LIVE PASS
Where can I stream the match? UK - N/A Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-...
Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au...
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
DRAGONS
Head Coach: Paul McGregor
Starting 13: Dufty, Macdonald, Aitken, Lafai, Nightingale, Widdop, Hunt, Graham, McInnes, Vaughan, Frizell, Sims, De Belin – Interchanges: Latimore, Mann, Ah Mau, Host – Reserves: Sele, Lomax, Allgood, Robson
Unavailable:
- St George’s perfect start to the season came to a halt as they were defeated by New Zealand Warriors last week. In a game that showed both teams are the real deal this season, the Dragons just couldn’t get their noses in front as they lost 20-12.
- Paul McGregor has stated this week how fortunate he is to not have had any injury worries so far this season as he names the same starting 13 for the eighth week running.
- Leading the NRL with 32 tries through Round 7, the Dragons will be looking to bounce back from last week’s loss to show it was just a minor blip. They will want to be more clinical this week having not taken advantage of 61% possession against the Warriors.
ROOSTERS
Head Coach: Trent Robinson
Starting 13: Tedesco, Manu, Mitchell, Aubusson, Ferguson, Keary, Cronk, Tetevano, Friend, Napa, Cordner, Matterson, Liu – Interchanges: Waerea-Hargreaves, Taukeiaho, Butcher, Radley – Reserves: Nuuausala, Tupouniua, Baptiste, Robinson
Unavailable: Daniel Tupou
- Sydney Roosters returned to winning ways with a very scrappy win against Canterbury last week. Latrell Mitchell’s fourth-minute converted try was the only score managed by either side with the Roosters hanging on to claim a 0-6 win.
- Sio Siua Taukeaiaho is available again after just missing out last week with a knee injury. He returns to the bench in place of Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
- The Roosters lead the NRL in tackles made with 2,409. That, in part, is down to making a league-high number of errors (94) with 17 of those coming in last week’s win. A similar number in this game is likely to be punished by the Dragons.
THE PREDICTION
The Dragons and Roosters open kick off Anzac Day in a mouth-watering clash at Allianz Stadium. The Dragons still top the league despite losing their first game of the season against the Warriors last week whilst the Roosters sit just four points behind after a gritty win over the Bulldogs last week. A win for the Roosters would make the table extremely congested at the top but that will be a tough ask against a Dragons side looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat. St George were very good in defeat and a similar performance, coupled with another error-strewn Roosters display will see the Dragons get their 11th win from the last 17 Anzac Day contests.
