The Sharks and Roosters were both part of the finals in 2022 but have been inconsistent so far this season as they look to get combinations right and find their rhythm.
The Roosters have a 3-2 record but are coming off a 20-point loss to the Storm in which they could muster only one try.
The Sharks had a bye in Round 6 after being run down the previous week by the Warriors after leading 20-0.
Craig Fitzgibbon's team have a 2-3 record courtesy of wins over the Eels and Dragons, and losses to the Rabbitohs, Raiders and Warriors.
After losing the qualifying final to the Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium last season the Sharks have been defeated in both home games in 2023 so they'll be looking to deliver a big performance for their loyal fans on Friday.
The Roosters ventured into Sharks territory in Round 12 last season and came away with a comprehensive victory on the back of fullback James Tedesco's brilliance and the return of the skipper from concussion this week will be a big boost for the Tricolours.
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Team News
Sharks: A late positional switch with Oregon Kaufusi set to start and Royce Hunt moving back to the bench. Braydon Trindal remains 18th man. Kaufusi (concussion) and Wade Graham (suspension) are the big inclusions with Toby Rudolf (foot) and Dale Finucane (suspension) sidelined following the bye. Thomas Hazelton will play his first game of the season.
Roosters: The visitors are 1-18 with captain James Tedesco back and prop Matt Lodge also on deck for the Tricolours. Coach Trent Robinson confirmed on Thursday that Angus Crichton and Nathan Brown would both play NSW Cup this weekend as they near a return to the NRL potentially by next week.
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Stat Attack
- The Sharks have not defeated the Roosters at PointsBet Stadium since 2016.
- The Roosters have won their past seven games against the Sharks.
- Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 16 tries in 16 games at PointsBet Stadium.
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored a try in his last three games at PointsBet Stadium.
- Sharks winger Sione Katoa requires one try for 50 NRL tries.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.