Roosters v Wests Tigers: Origin stars set to play; Bateman returns
The Sydney Roosters are out to solidify their place inside the NRL top four as they return to Allianz Stadium to host the Wests Tigers on Sunday night.
Trent Robinson's side claimed a hard-fought 26-8 win over the Bulldogs at a sodden Industree Group Stadium in Gosford last weekend, moving into fourth on the ladder.
Halfback Sam Walker was superb in the wet conditions and will look to lead his team to their third-straight victory this weekend.
The Wests Tigers may sit 16th, however Sunday's game will be no walkover with Benji Marshall's side finding form after coming back from the bye.
The team has won back-to-back games, including a stunning 48-24 dismantling of the Raiders last weekend.
Lachlan Galvin was superb in his return from a hand injury, while Adam Doueihi provided a major boost in his first NRL match since tearing his ACL last year.
The Roosters' outside back depth will be tested even further with Junior Pauga accepting a four-game suspension for a high shot on Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey.
Pauga joins Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i, Michael Jennings, Billy Smith and Robert Toia on the sidelines, with Ethan King among the options for selection.
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Team News
Roosters: No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update with Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins all set to back up from Origin. Sitili Tupouniua is the man to fill the void at centre following Junior Pauga’s four-game suspension. After getting through the full 80 minutes in the front row last week Terrell May is named to start again, with Collins to come off the bench after playing 46 minutes for the Maroons.
Wests Tigers: John Bateman was confirmed on Saturday to return after five games out with a pectoral injury but Justin Olam (knee) remains sidelined. Heath Mason is the man to make way for Bateman. Prop David Klemmer is back from suspension while Reuben Porter holds his place on the edge with Alex Seyfarth on the bench. Luke Laulilii keeps a spot on the wing after his try-scoring debut in Round 16, with Adam Doueihi retaining a role in the centres.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Solomona Faataape
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Sitili TupouniuaCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Brent Naden
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Adam Doueihi
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic YoungWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Luke Laulilii
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke KearyFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon SmithHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Terrell MayProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Fonua Pole
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Reuben Porter
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Victor Radley2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Connor WatsonLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Justin Matamua
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Sione Fainu
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Naufahu WhyteInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Seyfarth
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat ButcherInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 David Klemmer
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Lindsay CollinsInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 21 John Bateman
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 21 Ethan KingReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 14 Heath Mason
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Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Siua WongReserve for Wests Tigers is number 19 Charlie Staines
Roosters Ins
- Angus Crichton
- Connor Watson
- Lindsay Collins
- Spencer Leniu
Wests Tigers Ins
- Charlie Staines
- David Klemmer
- John Bateman
Roosters Outs
- Blake Steep
- Fetalaiga Pauga
- Sandon Smith
Wests Tigers Ins
- Kit Laulilii
- Tony Sukkar
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won their last seven games against Wests Tigers (and 17 of their past 18).
- Wests Tigers are aiming for three consecutive wins for the first time since 2018.
- Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will equal the club’s all-time appearance record of 306 games.
- Wests Tigers will play their 600th game since joining the competition in 2000.
- Roosters captain James Tedesco will play his 150th game for the club.
Match: Roosters v Wests Tigers
Round 17 -
home Team
Roosters
4th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
16th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
