The Sydney Roosters are out to solidify their place inside the NRL top four as they return to Allianz Stadium to host the Wests Tigers on Sunday night.
Trent Robinson’s side claimed a hard-fought 26-8 win over the Bulldogs at a sodden Industree Group Stadium in Gosford last weekend, moving into fourth on the ladder.
Halfback Sam Walker was superb in the wet conditions and will look to lead his team to their third-straight victory this weekend.
The Wests Tigers may sit 16th, however Sunday’s game will be no walkover with Benji Marshall’s side finding form after coming back from the bye.
The team has won back-to-back games, including a stunning 48-24 dismantling of the Raiders last weekend.
Lachlan Galvin was superb in his return from a hand injury, while Adam Doueihi provided a major boost in his first NRL match since tearing his ACL last year.
The Roosters’ outside back depth will be tested even further with Junior Pauga accepting a four-game suspension for a high shot on Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey.
Pauga joins Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Michael Jennings, Billy Smith and Robert Toia on the sidelines, with Ethan King among the options for selection.
Team News
Roosters: Sitili Tupouniua is the man to fill the void at centre following Junior Pauga’s four-game suspension. After getting through the full 80 minutes in the front row last week Terrell May is named to start again, with Lindsay Collins set to come off the bench on the back of his involvement in Game Two of the Origin series. Blues reps Angus Crichton and Connor Watson are named to start. while Spencer Leniu is on the interchange.
Wests Tigers: A handful of big names are set to return to Benji Marshall’s line-up, with David Klemmer back from suspension on the bench and John Bateman and Justin Olam both included in the reserves as they work back from injury. Luke Laulilii keeps a spot on the wing after his try-scoring debut in Round 16, with Adam Doueihi retaining a role in the centres.
