ANZAC DAY THURSDAY APRIL 25th, 2024 ALLIANZ STADIUM,SYDNEY
ANZAC Day Rivalry: Dragons vs. Roosters
Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated regular season fixtures on the NRL calendar, the Dragons and Roosters will once again bring their all to the table in the annual ANZAC Day showdown.
Motivation won’t be lacking in this matchup, yet with the Roosters narrowly falling to Melbourne and the Dragons riding high on an upset victory against the Warriors, the Round 8 clash remains wide open for either team to claim.
Roosters Look to Reignite Season
Trent Robinson’s team currently occupies the 11th spot on the ladder and seems to be grappling with consistency issues, as they have yet to string together consecutive wins this season.
But the Tricolours will be hoping their annual ANZAC Day fixture will be the game that ignites a much-needed run as they welcome back Dom young from suspension and Sam Walker from concussion.
Dragons.
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth. 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila . 18. Michael Molo 19. Jack Bird 20. Toby Couchman 21. Viliami Fifita 22. Jesse Marschke
Dragons Riding High on Recent Form
On the flip side, St. George Illawarra will be riding a wave of confidence following their commanding 30-12 triumph over the Warriors on home turf. Their performance this season signals significant progress under the guidance of new coach Shane Flanagan.
With a respectable 4-3 record at the season’s outset, the Dragons are demonstrating enhanced fitness and physicality. They’ve emerged as a formidable contender under Flanagan’s leadership and are poised to elevate their game, especially in matchups they perennially rise to the occasion for.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Meeting for the 22nd time on this significant national day, historical records tip the scale in favor of the Dragons, who maintain a 12-9 advantage since their inaugural clash in 2002. However, the Roosters once again benefit from home-ground advantage, with another packed house anticipated at Allianz Stadium, poised to amplify the atmosphere.
There are no alterations to the lineup that secured a stylish victory against the Warriors. Centre Jack Bird is listed among the reserves as he aims to make his comeback from a recent head injury.
Roosters.
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley. 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Terrell May. 18. Michael Jennings 19. Siua Wong 20. Zach Dockar-Clay 21. Xavier Va’a 22. Fetalaiga Pauga
Key Line-ups and Returnees
Dom Young (suspension) and Sam Walker return in a boost for the Roosters. Joseph Suaalii goes back to the centre, Michael Jennings drops to 18th man and Connor Watson reverts to the bench after two games at halfback. Zach Dockar-Clay drops off the bench.
But in, LATE NEWS, I hear Daniel Tupou and Victor Radley are out of the Anzac Day clash.
Referee: Adam Gee, Touch Judge: Phil Henderson, Belinda Sharpe, Bunker: Ashley Klein
Key Player Milestones
Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan has scored 13 tries in his past 16 games.
The Roosters have won four of their past six ANZAC Day clashes with the Dragons.
Dragons centre Zac Lomax has scored five tries in his past five games.
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou requires two tries for 150 NRL tries.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan will coach on ANZAC Day for the first time.
Prediction.
The Dragons stomped all over the Warriors last week in Wollongong, while the Roosters would have been disappointed not to beat the Storm in a real arm wrestle. I have been burnt plenty of times by the Roosters this year, but they really should lift on this occasion to beat the Dragons, despite their improved form. Be careful here. The Dragons are improving, and while the Roosters will be favourites, The game will be tight.
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