Friday, March 17th, Allianz Stadium,Sydney,7pm
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Jake Turpin 15. Drew Hutchison 16. Terrell May 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Naufahu Whyte 21. Corey Allan.
Players cut: 19. Ben Thomas 20. Sandon Smith 22. Siua Wong
The Roosters bounced back from their shock loss to the Dolphins with a 20-12 win over the Warriors, but it was anything but convincing. The Roosters were guilty of bombing some certain tries and their attack still looks clunky as it did at the start of last season. Joseph Suaalii had a mixed afternoon and James Tedesco was a little off his game, but the return of Joey Manu and the combination of Sam Walker and Luke Keary was enough to get the job done. However, the Roosters lost Brandon Smith early and are battling an injury crisis, which is why they bought Nathan Brown from the Eels. The Roosters are slow starters and Trent Robinson will have a plan to get them peaking by the end of the season. A pulsating derby with the Rabbitohs will give them a real test of where this side is at. Brandon Smith is no certainty to face the Rabbitohs and will need to get through a full session and physio work on Thursday after suffering a muscular injury in last week’s win over the Warriors. Smith played 24 minutes last weekend before he was forced off after injuring himself while tackling winger Marcelo Montoya.
RABBITOHS
1.. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Hame Sele 16. Davvy Moale 17. Shaq Mitchell 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Players cut: 20. Ben Lovett 21. Taane Milne 22. Peter Mamouzelos
They may have gone down to their bogey side the Panthers for the 10th time in their last 11 meetings, but Souths were always set for an ambush from Penrith. After their loss to the Broncos at home in Round 1, Penrith were always going to be a tough assignment as they rarely lose on their own turf, let a lone twice on the trot. Still, Souths had their chances and were unlucky to concede a try to Izack Tago right on halftime. However, Latrell Mitchell was kept quiet for most of the game, while Cody Walker again let his frustration get the better of him, which is becoming a concerning theme against the Panthers. Still, Souths showed their defence is much improved this season by holding Penrith to just 16 and when their attack clicks they can match any side in the competition. They will be looking to get back in the winner’s circle in a huge game against arch rivals the Roosters in Round 3.
This game will be fiery with a few blow ups I feel. Both have big forward packs with skilful backs and neither will give an inch. Last time they met there were 7 sinbins. The match review committee will be busy come Monday.
Match Officials
Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Liam Kennedy, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Adam Gee;
Prediction. I am going for the Rabbitohs with a minus 2.5 point start @$1.90. Souths have won 5 from the last six against their old foe. If you like the Roosters a good bet would be with a 5.5 point start at $1.65.Jared Waerea- Hargreaves is back along with Victor Radley to add some spice.
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