Roosters v Bulldogs: Smith replaces Hutchison; TPJ to start
The Roosters find themselves in unfamiliar territory in 10th place as they prepare for a crucial clash with a Bulldogs outfit coming off a morale-boosting win over the Titans.
Despite the presence of attacking weapons James Tedesco, Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii, the Roosters average just 16 points per game through 11 matches, a far cry from the 26.4ppg they posted in 2022 on their way to finishing sixth in the regular season.
For their part the Bulldogs are also struggling to gel in attack with only 17 points per game and they'll be hoping the combination between Matt Burton and Karl Oloapu can continue to develop and the opportunities are presented for Josh Addo-Carr and Jacob Kiraz to prosper.
If the Roosters are to find their best footy they'll be relying on Tedesco to step up as he did against the Dragons in Round 12 and the forwards to lay a platform for Luke Keary to work off.
In the only meeting between the sides last year it was the Bulldogs who ended a six-game losing streak with an upset 16-12 victory at Accor Stadium on the back of an Addo-Carr double.
Match: Roosters v Bulldogs
Round 14 -
home Team
Roosters
11th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
15th Position
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
Team News
Roosters: A late switch an hour before kick-off with Sandon Smith to start on the bench and Drew Hutchison dropped to the reserves. James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins have both backed up in recent years from Origin and will do so again. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (pectoral) and five-eighth Joey Manu (ankle) will return in a huge boost for the side but Daniel Tupou (hamstring) dropped out of the squad on Saturday after initially being named 18th Man.
Bulldogs: A late change on game day sees Blues debutant Tevita Pangai Junior join the starting side at lock with Corey Wadell moving to the bench. Winger Jacob Kiraz has dropped out after injuring his elbow at training and his place is taken by Origin star Josh Addo-Carr, who will start the game in jersey No.21.Matt Burton was an unused 18th Man throughout Origin and will start at halfback. Josh Reynolds drops to 18th man with Khaled Rajab set to debut off the bench.
Match: Roosters v Bulldogs
Round 14 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Hayze Perham
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Corey AllanWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Blake Wilson
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso SuaaliiCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jake Averillo
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Billy SmithCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Paul Alamoti
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Fetalaiga PaugaWinger for Bulldogs is number 21 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Joseph ManuFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Karl Oloapu
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke KearyHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Matt Burton
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Jake TurpinHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay CollinsProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Ryan Sutton
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Egan Butcher2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Jayden Okunbor
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Sitili TupouniuaLock for Bulldogs is number 23 Tevita Pangai Junior
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Nathan BrownInterchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Corey Waddell
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Angus CrichtonInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Kurtis Morrin
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Matthew LodgeInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Harrison Edwards
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Sandon SmithInterchange for Bulldogs is number 19 Khaled Rajab
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 14 Drew HutchisonReplacement for Bulldogs is number 14 Josh Reynolds
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won eight of their past nine games against the Bulldogs.
- Canterbury are aiming for consecutive wins against the Roosters for the first time since 2016.
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored five tries in his past four games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 10 tries in his past 12 games against the Roosters.
- The Roosters have won four of their past five games on the Central Coast.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
