Dragons v Roosters: Sims, Dufty back; Walker to bench
The Roosters would probably like a break from having their team reshuffled nearly every week due to injuries and suspensions.
But against the Dragons this week it's up to coach Trent Robinson and the senior players - whose numbers have dwindled considerably over the season - to once again show the way forward.
After Origin star Angus Crichton was missing last week against the Broncos - and will not play this week either - fellow back rower Victor Radley is now on the sidelines through suspension.
The Dragons aren't in the clear as they have lost hooker Andrew McCullough after he hurt his left ankle in last week's 34-16 loss to the Panthers. They are also down on their luck with five straight losses, forcing them to languish in 11th spot on the ladder.
A win or two would be just the ticket to get them out of their funk - but they better hurry up before the club season is all over.
Match: Dragons v Roosters
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
12th Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Toowoomba Sports Ground, Toowoomba
The rundown
Team news
Dragons: St George Illawarra will start 1-17 with Poasa Faamausili the 18th man.
Billy Burns has passed concussion protocols and will play after failing a HIA against the Panthers.
Anthony Griffin has made another host of changes to his side with Matt Dufty recalled at fullback and Jack Bird shifted to the centres.
Josh McGuire will start at hooker after Andrew McCullough underwent season-ending ankle surgery this week.
Jaiyden Hunt and Jordan Pereira were omitted from the extended bench 24 hours before kick-off.
The Dragons have conceded 168 points in their past five games.
Roosters: In the only change to the 17, Sam Walker will start from the bench, with Lachlan Lam coming into the starting side. Brad Abbey will be the 18th man.
Sitili Tupounia has passed protocols and will play after suffering a head knock last weekend.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is fresh after a week off in a timely return following Victor Radley's three-match ban.
Ben Marschke and Tuku Hau Tapuha dropped off the reserves list on Saturday.
The Roosters have won their past six games against the Dragons.
Match: Dragons v Roosters
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jack BirdCentre for Roosters is number 3 Adam Keighran
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Roosters is number 5 Dale Copley
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau AmoneFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Drew Hutchison
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Corey NormanHalfback for Roosters is number 14 Lachlan Lam
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Kaide EllisProp for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Josh McGuireHooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam Verrills
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Jack De BelinProp for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Billy Burns2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Nat Butcher
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tyrell Fuimaono2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tariq SimsLock for Roosters is number 13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jayden SullivanInterchange for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Josh KerrInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Daniel AlvaroInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Fletcher Baker
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Jackson FordInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Ben Thomas
Reserves
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 19 Poasa FaamausiliReserve for Roosters is number 20 Brad Abbey
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Daniel Tupou v Mikaele Ravalawa: Towering Chook Tupou has a 12cm height advantage but the pair are much closer in the number of tries they have provided for their team. Tupou has 11 and Ravalawa has 10 for the season. Both are crucial to getting their team's sets off to a good start and jamming in off their wing to shut down attacking raids.
Stat attack
The Roosters are third best in the League for post-contact metres. But the Dragons lack punch in this department sitting in 13th spot in the NRL. The Dragons middle is going to have to put up a stronger defensive wall or continually find themselves being driven backwards.
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