Eels v Roosters: Sivo, Hopgood out; Young hamstrung
With their mini-revival halted after just one game the Eels must regroup quickly as they confront a team they have beaten just once in their past five meetings.
After a much-needed victory over the Sharks in Round 13, the blue and golds crashed back to earth on Monday when they were unable to subdue an injury-ravaged Bulldogs outfit at Accor Stadium.
The loss of Maika Sivo to a hamstring injury just prior to kick-off didn't help the Eels' cause but at 18-10 with 15 minutes to play they would have expected to go on with the job and rack up their fifth win of the season.
The Roosters, meanwhile, had their feet up over the long weekend, taking the opportunity to recharge the batteries as they embark on a pivotal month of games against the Eels, Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Dragons.
With the best points differential (+133) in the competition, the Roosters have a distinct advantage over the clump of teams around them on the ladder, but they need to start stringing some wins together if they're to make it to the finals for an eighth straight season.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Eels v Roosters
Team News
Eels: Winger Maika Sivo has dropped out on game day after failing to overcome a hamstring strain. Daejarn Asi joins the starting side in the centres and Sean Russell goes to the wing. Maroons forward J'maine Hopgood has succumbed to his back injury which sees Joe Ofahengaue shift to lock. Ryan Matterson joins the bench after he was named among the reserves in a bid to return from illness.
Roosters: A switch in the pack an hour before kick-off with Spencer Leniu starting and Jared Waerea-Hagreaves going to the bench. Sitili Tupouniua is 18th man. Winger Dom Young was ruled out with a minor hamstring strain on Friday so Michael Jennings shifted from 18th man into the centres and Junior Pauga moved to the wing. Connor Watson returns from a throat injury to start at hooker in place of Brandon Smith as the Tricolours' Origin contingent return.
Match: Eels v Roosters
Round 15 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Eels is number 4 Sean RussellWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will PenisiniCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Centre for Eels is number 14 Daejarn AsiCentre for Roosters is number 18 Michael Jennings
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Blaize TalagiWinger for Roosters is number 3 Fetalaiga Pauga
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
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Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-GillardProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan HandsHooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
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Prop for Eels is number 17 Makahesi MakatoaProp for Roosters is number 15 Spencer Leniu
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Eels is number 15 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Victor Radley
-
Lock for Eels is number 16 Joe OfahengaueLock for Roosters is number 13 Naufahu Whyte
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloInterchange for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
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Interchange for Eels is number 12 Bryce CartwrightInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon Smith
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Interchange for Eels is number 20 Joey LussickInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
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Interchange for Eels is number 21 Ryan MattersonInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 22 Luca MorettiReplacement for Roosters is number 19 Sitili Tupouniua
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won four of their six games at CommBank Stadium in 2024.
- The Roosters have won four of their past five games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored five tries in his first eight NRL games.
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored six tries in six games at CommBank Stadium.
- Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored a try in his last three games against the Roosters.
Match: Eels v Roosters
Round 15 -
home Team
Eels
14th Position
away Team
Roosters
5th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
