St George Illawarra and Sydney Roosters meet for the second time in a month with the pressure gauge on both sides mounting for contrasting reasons.
The Dragons lost their sixth-straight match against the Cowboys in Round 11 but in an even greater concern it was by a big margin – something they hadn’t been doing previously.
No coach needs a win more than Anthony Griffin and meeting a Roosters side lacking confidence and energy could be the match-up that helps turn results around.
Meanwhile, the Roosters have lost back-to-back games but in a big concern it’s their energy and effort areas that coach Trent Robinson and skipper James Tedesco have labelled the biggest disappointment.
A star-studded Roosters side has plenty of expectation at the best of times but coming off a record-breaking 48-4 loss to the Panthers and that pressure has amplified following their Magic Round defeat.
With only one point splitting them on Anzac Day, whoever is hungrier to win will come out on top of this one and you would be concerned for the club that doesn’t after their past fortnight of results.
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Team news
Dragons: Tautau Moga could make a return from a shoulder injury in a boost for the side after his five tries in two games heroics before the setback. Where he fits into the backline though with Mikaele Ravalawa now back remains to be seen. Likewise Zac Lomax, who played reserve grade for the Dragons on Sunday.
Roosters: Five-eighth Joey Manu faces an extended period on the sideline after scans confirmed he suffered moderate ankle ligament damage against the Panthers. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (pectoral strain) was also hurt in Round 11 but remains a chance to play. Sam Walker is out for at least a fortnight following a knee injury in reserve grade last month in another blow given Manu’s injury. Drew Hutchison is likely to come in alongside Luke Keary in the halves if Manu is out.
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Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won nine of their last 10 games against the Dragons, including a 27-26 win on Anzac Day in April.
- James Tedesco has scored three tries in his past two games against the Dragons.
- The last time the Dragons and Roosters played at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium was Round 23, 2019. The Roosters won 34-12.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.