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.
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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.
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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.
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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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