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: Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins will all back up from Origin in a big boost for Trent Robinson's side. Terrell May starts after playing the full 80 minutes last week. Ethan King is 18th man.
Wests Tigers: No late changes on game day with John Bateman good to go after five games out with a pectoral injury while 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. Mason is 18th man.
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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.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.