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Roosters v Dragons: Wait over for Butcher; Guler back from ban
The traditional blockbuster between the Roosters and the Dragons kicks off a run of three games on Anzac Day.
The Roosters come into the match after a heavy loss to last year's premiers the Panthers who seemed to have regained their mojo, while the Dragons will be high on confidence after posting two wins in a row, including a thriller over the Sea Eagles last week.
Despite their up-and-down season so far, Roosters however have shown they are able to rise to the occasion in their two wins over higher ranked opponents this year and also enjoy the head-to-head advantage with 28 wins to St George Illawarra's 22, including a big 60-12 result in their game last year.
Match: Roosters v Dragons
Round 8 -
home Team
Roosters
13th Position
away Team
Dragons
10th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Roosters: No late changes for the Roosters on game day. Billy Smith's return from suspension sees Mark Nawaqanitawase shift to the wing and Dom Young drop out. Spencer Leniu starts at prop in the absence of Nat Butcher (knee) while Angus Crichton's return from a groin problem pushes Salesi Foketi to the bench. Having returned from injury via NSW Cup last weekend Egan Butcher comes in on the bench for his first NRL game since suffering an ACL injury in Round 12 last year.
Dragons: One swap for the Dragons on game day, with Dylan Egan to start in the second row with Luciano Leilua reverting to the interchange. Sione Finau has been called in on the wing to replace Mat Feagai, who suffered a fibula fracture and high-grade syndesmosis injury in the tackle that saw Manly's Toafoafoa Sipley banned for four weeks. Emre Guler returns from suspension on the bench to fill the hole left by Hamish Stewart (concussion). Loko Pasifiki Tonga is the 18th man.
Match: Roosters v Dragons
Round 8 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Dragons is number 2 Tyrell Sloan
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Billy SmithCentre for Dragons is number 3 Moses Suli
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert ToiaCentre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine Holmes
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark NawaqanitawaseWinger for Dragons is number 5 Sione Finau
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sandon SmithFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Kyle Flanagan
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Hugo SavalaHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Lachlan Ilias
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Spencer LeniuProp for Dragons is number 8 Toby Couchman
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor WatsonHooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Naufahu WhyteProp for Dragons is number 10 David Klemmer
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'A
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong2nd Row for Dragons is number 17 Dylan Egan
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Zach Dockar-ClayInterchange for Dragons is number 11 Luciano Leilua
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Salesi FoketiInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Jacob Liddle
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Blake SteepInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Blake Lawrie
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Egan ButcherInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Emre Guler
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Ethan KingReplacement for Dragons is number 19 Loko Pasifiki Tonga
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won 11 of their past 13 games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won only one of their past five Anzac Day clashes against the Roosters.
- Roosters captain James Tedesco has scored seven tries in his last five games against the Dragons.
- Dragons forward Blake Lawrie will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
