The third of Sunday’s NRL Round 14 matches is between Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors. The opening kick is set to commence at 6:30pm local time with the game to be played at Allianz Stadium. The home team the Sydney Roosters are the current favourites in the market. View our preview and teams for the game between Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors.
Allianz Stadium
Sunday 6.30pm
Featured Bookmakers:
Sydney Roosters $1.28 vs New Zealand Warriors $3.85 at Sportsbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Sydney Roosters $1.26 vs New Zealand Warriors $4.00 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Odds Comparison by NRL Odds:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Sydney Roosters | 1.28 | 1.28 | 1.26 | 1.28 | 1.28 | 1.26 |
|
New Zealand Warriors
|
3.85 | 3.85 | 4.00 | 3.85 | 3.85 | 3.80 |
Preview:
The Roosters host the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday which, despite their respective positions on the ladder, is shaping up as a good clash.
Since being wiped off the park by Penrith, the Warriors have strung together three straight and last week; enhanced their home ground record with a tenacious 18-16 win over Manly.
The Penrith disaster aside, the Warriors have pushed some of the top teams all the way this year – Melbourne, South Sydney and in round 3, their opponents here, Sydney Rooster (16 -14).
After losing to Melbourne, the Roosters bounced back with a 38-24 win over Parramatta last week.
The Roosters, whilst always in control, were in need of the run after having the week off with the bye and will strip better for the outing.
Not much separates these two sides historically although the Roosters have won three of the past four encounters.
In what will be a physical game, expect the Roosters at home, to edge out their visitors.
Teams:
Sydney Roosters:
Anthony Minichiello (c), Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Luke O’Donnell, Jake Friend, Martin Kennedy, Mitchell Aubusson, Sonny Bill Williams, Boyd Cordner. Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Aidan Guerra, Isaac Liu
New Zealand Warriors:
Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Russell Packer, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Dominique Peyroux, Ngani Laumape, Suaia Matagi, Charlie Gubb
Warriors fullback Kevin Locke remains in doubt to face the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
Locke was named on Tuesday for the NRL match at Allianz Stadium, with the Warriors optimistic he would get over the hip injury that forced his late withdrawal from the 18-16 win over Manly last weekend.
However, Warriors assistant coach Andrew McFadden says there’s still a question mark over the player.
“Kevin’s still 50-50,” McFadden said on Thursday.
“He’s probably looking unlikely but we’ll give him up till game time.”
If Locke is ruled out, the Warriors will make the same change as against Manly, with Glen Fisiiahi moving from wing to fullback and Ngani Laumape coming into the side.
Fisiiahi’s performance against the Sea Eagles earned him the players’ player award.
Meanwhile, the other late scratching against Manly, prop Russell Packer, is on course to make his return from a sternum injury.
The Roosters edged out the Warriors 16-14 when the sides met at Eden Park earlier this season and they go into the weekend third on the table.
The Warriors are down in 13th, but are on a run of three good wins after their 62-6 thrashing by Penrith.
McFadden said the Warriors would go in as underdogs against tough opponents playing good football, and they were happy with that status.
“We’ve shown this year we can compete against a good team,” he said.
“We’re certainly not fearing the Roosters.
“We’ve got a bit of confidence under the belt now and I think it’s a really good time to have a crack at them.
