Sea Eagles v Roosters: Trbojevic back on deck; Two big ins for Robbo

The Rundown

Team news

Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau is a late inclusion in the starting 13, taking the place of Kurt Deluis who goes back to the bench. With Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Tolutau Koula, Josh Aloiai, Haumole Olakau'atu, Toafofoa Sipley and Josh Schuster standing themselves down due to personal beliefs, the Sea Eagles will have two debutants on the wing in Pio Seci and Alfred Smalley, while prop Kurt de Luis and second-rower Ethan Bullemor also join the starting side.

Forward leader Jake Trbojevic, hooker Lachlan Croker and back-rower Andrew Davey all return after missing Round 19 due to COVID. 

Roosters: No late changes for the Roosters, with star centre Joey Manu (quad) back on deck Drew Hutchison slides to the bench. Maroons prop Lindsay Collins' return from the concussion he suffered in Origin Three sees Matt Lodge go to the interchange. 

Key match-up

Kieran Foran v Luke Keary: The Roosters No.6 returned in style against the Knights with the game's opening try, one try assist and 126 running metres. In his first game since Round 14 the livewire playmaker barely skipped beat as the Roosters racked up their second big win on the trot. Foran, meanwhile, is enjoying a stellar final season at Manly before he heads to the Titans in 2023. The 32-year-old has produced nine try assists and 14 line break assists and his defence is as rock solid as ever.

Stat Attack

Roosters superstar James Tedesco's stunning season rolled on with 317 running metres and 10 tackle breaks against Newcastle. He sits atop the table for most line breaks in 2022 with an astonishing 120, with team-mate Joey Manu second on 100. Tedesco sits second for running metres with 3664 metres at 215 per game, behind only Dylan Edwards (3992).