Roosters v Eels: Watson returns for Verrills; Parra unchanged
The Roosters will get their toughest test of the season on neutral turf in Sunday's Magic Round clash against Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium.
The Tricolours, fresh off a big 44-16 win over the Titans, are about to enter an interesting four-week block that includes matches against the Eels, Sharks, Panthers and Raiders (away and without Origin stars).
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has urged patience over his star-studded side and their attack. They delivered in spades to score eight in Mackay.
However, they face no tougher ask in the NRL at the moment than the Eels, who have upset the Panthers and Storm this year in big matches.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Roosters v Eels
Parramatta's big question mark in recent years has been their ability to win on the big stage and they'll get no better opportunity than to show last week's two-point win over the Panthers wasn't a one-off achievement.
Match: Roosters v Eels
Round 10 -
home Team
Roosters
4th Position
away Team
Eels
6th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Rundown
Team news
Roosters: A switch an hour before kick-off with Drew Hutchison moving into the starting side at hooker and Connor Watson reverting to the bench in his return from a throat injury. Sio Siua Taukeiaho has been promoted to start for the suspended Lindsay Collins with Daniel Fifita the new man on the bench. Lachlan Lam is 18th man.
Eels: The Eels are 1-17 with no late changes. Brad Arthur has gone with the same side that got the job done against the Panthers last week. Jakob Arthur is 18th man. Sean Russell made a successful return in NSW Cup last week following rib and lung injuries but will have to bide his time for an NRL return.
Match: Roosters v Eels
Round 10 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Eels is number 2 Hayze Perham
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Eels is number 4 Tom Opacic
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'iWinger for Eels is number 5 Bailey Simonsson
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sam WalkerFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke KearyHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 14 Drew HutchisonHooker for Eels is number 9 Reed Mahoney
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua TaukeiahoProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Isaiah Papali'i
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Eels is number 13 Nathan Brown
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 9 Connor WatsonInterchange for Eels is number 14 Makahesi Makatoa
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Fletcher BakerInterchange for Eels is number 15 Ryan Matterson
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat ButcherInterchange for Eels is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Daniel Suluka-FifitaInterchange for Eels is number 17 Bryce Cartwright
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 19 Lachlan LamReplacement for Eels is number 19 Jake Arthur
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Clint Gutherson v James Tedesco: The two club captains go head-to-head in a fullback battle to saviour in Brisbane. Both players are heavily influential for their respective sides with Tedesco's three-try haul against the Titans evidence of a man back in form with Origin approaching. Gutherson is having one of his best season's to date with his defensive efforts remaining at the forefront of his game.
Stat attack
Still on the fullbacks and it's no surprise the Eels (1836m) and Roosters (1779m) sit behind Penrith (1995m) in the kick-returns for yardage. Along with Gutherson and Tedesco, the back three for each club is crucial to getting their respective sides out of the red zone and into the opposition's half. Parramatta's position in this space is more commendable given they've been without Maika Sivo and Sean Russell to start the season.
