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.
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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.
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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.