8:00pm FRIDAY AUGUST 16th 2024 ALLIANZ STADIUM SYDNEY
Roosters Aim for Reset After Bye Week
The Roosters are off the bye this week, and it might be just what this team needed to reset after some below average performances over the past month. In their most recent match, the Roosters edged out the Dolphins in Perth with a 40-34 victory, a game that highlighted the Roosters’ ongoing defensive struggles. They seem to be a team that believes they can outscore anyone, and whilst it may be true, everyone knows that defence wins Premierships. Head Coach Trent Robinson is well aware of this and will be determined to tighten up his team’s defense as they approach September.
Roosters in Contention for Top-Four Finish
The Roosters are in strong contention for a top-four finish but must remain vigilant against a formidable Eels side that pushed the Panthers to the brink in Round 23.
Golden Opportunity for Roosters to Build Momentum
With their final four games against teams currently outside the top eight, Trent Robinson’s side has a golden opportunity to build momentum heading into the playoffs. However, any slip-up could see the Sharks and Bulldogs closing in fast.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu , 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith , 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson, 14. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May 18. Sandon Smith, 19. Siua Wong 20. Ethan King 21. Salesi Foketi 22. Robert Toia
Eels Continue to Fight Hard Despite Heartbreak
The Eels continue to fight hard and have the firepower to challenge any team, as demonstrated in their thrilling clash with the Panthers last Friday.
Eels Have Opportunity to Play Spoiler in Final Games
With upcoming games against the Roosters, Broncos, Dragons, and Wests Tigers, the Eels have a prime opportunity to play spoiler against several finals contenders and potentially condemn the Tigers to a third straight wooden spoon in the final round.
Eels’ Recent Performance and Potential Changes
The Eels were heartbreakingly close to defeating the reigning premiers. Arguably the best team of the night, they had all but locked in a victory until the Panthers launched a late barrage of tries to win the game. Despite this, the Eels of the past three weeks, missing 40% of their squad, have shown a determination not sighted earlier in the year. It’s very possible this has coincided with the presence of 2025 coach, Jason Ryles, who is lurking in the back to sort the roster for future years.
As mentioned, the Eels lost in heart breaking fashion last weekend, going down 36-34 to the Panthers after leading 34-20 with just 7 minutes remaining. Conceding three tries in as many minutes just about sums up the entire season for the Eels, and one feels they played their Grand Final last weekend in that loss. Don’t be surprised at all to see several Eels’ players not show up this week and for the remainder of the season, with whispers growing louder that the broom is being swept through this team heading into season 2025.
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell , 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands , 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Kelma Tuilagi 17. Dan Keir 18. Ethan Sanders 19. Maika Sivo , 20. Matt Doorey 21. Morgan Harper 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Drew Oultram, Bunker, Wyatt Raymond
The Roosters have won five of their last six encounters with the Eels.
Eels centre Blaize Talagi has crossed the try line seven times in his last eight games.
The Roosters have racked up 116 points in their last three games at Allianz Stadium.
The Eels have managed just one win from nine away games in 2024.
Roosters winger Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has scored six tries in his last four matches against the Eels.
Prediction.
On paper, this game is a no-brainer. The Roosters have one of the best backlines in the competition and will want to flex their attacking muscle. The key to an Eels victory will be frustrating the Roosters into making errors through solid defensive grit, much like they did against a stronger Panthers side last week. If they can keep the game close, they might find a way to edge out their opponents. However, the Roosters will be aiming for a fast start—early points could quickly put the game out of reach for the Eels. Ultimately, the class of the home-team should get them over the line.
Comments