NRL, ROUND 24, AUGUST 12th, 2023 SYDNEY ROOSTERS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
ALLIANZ STADIUM, SYDNEY
In the electrifying world of NRL, Round 24 promises an enthralling encounter as the Sydney Roosters prepare to go head-to-head against the Redcliffe Dolphins on August 12th, 2023. The battleground is set at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Sydney, a venue that has witnessed some of the most unforgettable rugby league clashes.
Preview
Looking back to the inception of 2023, the Dolphins captured the attention of the rugby league universe with their scintillating performances. As the season has progressed, the Dolphins have navigated through a campaign filled with ups and downs, leaving only a few weeks remaining. Standing opposite them in Round One were the Sydney Roosters, a team now perched just one victory ahead of the newcomers after five months. This underperformance is a stark contrast to the Roosters’ track record of consistently making the finals since 2016, a fact that they are undoubtedly keen to rectify.
The impending showdown on a Saturday evening carries tremendous significance. The clash at the Sydney Football Stadium promises an intriguing spectacle on a field that has been meticulously recovered from FIFA events. The Roosters find themselves merely two points away from securing a spot in the top eight, rendering every upcoming moment of their season paramount. Conversely, the Dolphins, amidst their inaugural season, strive to defy the predictions of pundits who foresee a potential decline in their performance during the latter stages of the competition.
Sydney Roosters Lineup
The Sydney Roosters come into the weekend fresh from a commanding ten-point victory over Manly at the SCG. Despite Nathan Brown’s 62nd-minute departure due to suspension, the Roosters held their ground against the charging Sea Eagles. Brown’s absence opens the door for Dylan Napa’s return to the NRL stage.
The Roosters’ lineup for the upcoming clash boasts a formidable roster:
- James Tedesco
- Daniel Tupou
- Billy Smith
- Joseph Manu
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
- Luke Keary
- Drew Hutchison
- Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
- Brandon Smith
- Lindsay Collins
- Nat Butcher
- Siua Wong
- Victor Radley
- Sandon Smith
- Fletcher Baker
- Terrell May
- Dylan Napa
- Fetalaiga Pauga
- Elie El Zakhem
- Jake Turpin
- Zach Dockar-Clay
- Corey Allan
Redcliffe Dolphins Lineup
The Dolphins, in recent weeks, have experienced the heartache of narrowly missing victories, falling short by just one point against the Bulldogs and by two against the Knights. Blame has been attributed to subpar refereeing for both instances. In their last outing, Jamayne Isaako displayed brilliance with a first-half hat trick, yet it wasn’t enough for the Queensland-based side to secure their first win since Round 19.
As the match looms, the Dolphins’ lineup presents a formidable challenge:
- Kodi Nikorima
- Jamayne Isaako
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Valynce Te Whare
- Tesi Niu
- Isaiya Katoa
- Sean O’Sullivan
- Jesse Bromwich
- Jeremy Marshall-King
- Mark Nicholls
- Felise Kaufusi
- Connelly Lemuelu
- Kenny Bromwich
- Ray Stone
- Josh Kerr
- Anthony Milford
- Jarrod Wallace
- Herman Ese’ese
- Max Plath
- Poasa Faamausili
- Harrison Graham
- Jack Bostock
Key Moments and Prediction
A flashback to their Round One encounter reveals a tied scoreline at halftime. The Dolphins seized control in the first twenty minutes after the break, underscoring the importance of the upcoming period for the Roosters’ defensive strategy.
As the referees, Todd Smith, Liam Kennedy, and Cameron Paddy, along with video referee Ashley Klein, oversee the proceedings, the stage is set for a riveting showdown.
Prediction
The Roosters, standing as the clear favorites, are expected to secure a victory that could potentially rekindle their hopes of a place in the finals. While the Dolphins have showcased their tenacity, the disparity in the lineup strength against established teams is apparent. The prediction leans in favor of the Roosters, with a projection of a victory margin exceeding 13 points.
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