2020 NRL – Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters taking place? Saturday 22nd August, 2020 – 08:30 (UK)

Where is Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters taking place? Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

What is the expected weather for Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters? 12c, partly cloudy

What channel is Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here

Where can I stream Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL

Where can I get tickets for Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches

THE TEAM NEWS

WESTS TIGERS

Starting 13: Doueihi, Nofoaluma, J. Leilua, Mbye, Talau, Brooks, Marshall, Aloiai, Liddle, Packer, Garner, L. Leilua, Eisenhuth – Interchanges: Taylor, Reynolds, Twal, Mikaele – Reserves: McIntyre, Lawrence

Unavailable: Zane Musgrove (Injured), Michael Chee-Kam (Injured), Harry Grant (Injured), Billy Walters (Injured)

• Wests Tigers ended their losing streak at three matches but they were given a huge scare by Canterbury Bulldogs last week and they needed a late drop goal to seal the win after blowing a comfortable lead.
• The Tigers led 22-6 but ended up falling behind 22-28 and they needed a late Joey Leilua converted try to level before Luke Brooks slotted a drop goal to edge them ahead and claim a much-needed victory.
• In their quest to close the gap on the top eight, Wests will be boosted by the return of Alex Twal and Thomas Mikaele from injury and Benji Marshall is also set to feature despite copping an ankle knock last week.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Starting 13: Tedesco, Ikuvalu, J. Morris, Manu, B. Morris, Hutchison, Flanagan, Waerea-Hargreaves, Friend, Taukeiaho, Tupouniua, N. Butcher, Liu – Interchanges: Lussick, Faamausili, Fifita, Collins – Reserves: Hall, Bailey

Unavailable: Billy Smith (Injured), Victor Radley (Injured), Sam Verrills (Injured), Daniel Tupou (Injured), Angus Crichton (Injured), Boyd Cordner (Injured), Sonny Bill Williams (Match Fitness), Luke Keary (Injured), Lachlan Lam (Injured), Mitchell Aubusson (Injured)

• Sydney Roosters were put to the sword by Melbourne Storm as they came out second best in the battle of the understrength teams and their spot in the top four now looks extremely precarious.
• The Roosters were perhaps fortunate to score a point as Melbourne led 0-24 after 50 minutes and they noticeably eased off after that point with the Tricolours bagging a solitary consolation in the final quarter.
• They also suffered more injury strife with both starting halves forced from the field and they will miss out here with Luke Keary’s absence a crucial one but they do get Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Brett Morris back in the side after they overcame injuries.

THE PREDICTION

Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters are both desperate to come out on top in this clash but for different reasons. The Tigers cannot afford to lose any more games if they are to have a serious shot at making the finals while the Roosters’ will be eager to maintain their spot in the top four. Injuries have hit the reigning premiers hard and they have a significant amount of salary cap sat in the stands ahead of this clash. Kyle Flanagan will hope to prove his worth as he is recalled owing to the injuries suffered by the Roosters last week and he can play his part in a game that should produce at least 40 points.