Roosters v Bulldogs: Young, Smith return; Skelton called up
Two sides looking to consolidate their place in the top eight, the Roosters and Bulldogs will put it all on the line when they meet in Gosford on Saturday.
With Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins in Origin camp, the Roosters' depth will be pushed to its limits when they host a Bulldogs side on the rise.
Trent Robinson's men will be over the moon to see Watson called up to make his State of Origin debut after the star utility missing the entire 2023 season while their skipper James Tedesco will bring some much-needed experience to the side that after he made way for Dylan Edwards in camp.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs once again lose skipper Stephen Crichton to Origin duties but keep their star playmaker Matt Burton who will be crucial to helping the side make it four straight on the Central Coast.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Roosters v Bulldogs
Team News
Roosters: Dominic Young will return from a hamstring strain. Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson are all away on Origin duty, with Blake Steep to play his second NRL game after being withdrawn from the Blues' U-19's squad. No changes 60 minutes before kickoff.
Bulldogs: Mass changes in the final update before kickoff, with Drew Hutchison coming into the starting side at centre in place of Bronson Xerri. Viliame Kikau will make his return from a finger injury in jumper No.23. Jake Turpin has also been named to start at lock. As a result, Josh Curran and Bailey Hayward revert back to the bench.
Match: Roosters v Bulldogs
Round 16 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jeral Skelton
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Fetalaiga PaugaCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Jacob Kiraz
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Bulldogs is number 19 Drew Hutchison
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic YoungWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Blake Wilson
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke KearyFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon SmithHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Terrell MayProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Nat Butcher2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Victor Radley2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 23 Viliame Kikau
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Naufahu WhyteLock for Bulldogs is number 14 Jake Turpin
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon SmithInterchange for Bulldogs is number 11 Josh Curran
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Blake SteepInterchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Bailey Hayward
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Sitili TupouniuaInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Siua WongInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Lipoi Hopoi
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Ethan KingReplacement for Bulldogs is number 21 Eli Clark
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won nine of their past 11 games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs are aiming for four consecutive wins for the first time since 2019.
- The Roosters have won their past four games at Industree Group Stadium.
- The Bulldogs have not defeated the Roosters twice in a season since 2016.
- Roosters captain James Tedesco has scored 13 tries in 11 games against the Bulldogs.
Match: Roosters v Bulldogs
Round 16 -
home Team
Roosters
4th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
8th Position
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
