The Roosters had been sailing along nicely in the past two months.
Limited Origin impact on their starting line-up and a favourable draw that saw them meet several top sides minus their Origin stars; had the Roosters boasting seven wins from eight games.
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Last week’s clash, against a full strength Manly side at Brookvale, was going to be the real litmus test on just how well the Roosters are travelling – and they almost passed.
Although trailing for the majority of the match, the Roosters were always in the hunt and made the Sea Eagles earn their 24 -16 win the hard way.
The Roosters had their chances but some poor execution at the end of the sets, let Manly off the hook.
It will have given the Roosters a real gauge on where they stand and on what aspects of their game they have to improve, if they are to defend their Premiership successfully.
SHARKS
Even when the Sharks win, they can’t escape being in the media for all the wrong reasons!
After a stunning come-from-behind victory over Brisbane last week, only their third win for the season and their first since round 8, all involved at the struggling Sharks club could enjoy some positive news and revel in an all too rare win.
Forty-hours later though, it all came crashing back down to earth – harder than before – with Todd Carney, who had orchestrated their Brisbane win, sacked from the club for offensive public behaviour.
It was enough for interim Coach Peter Sharp, who was criticised by club captain Paul Gallen last week for not giving 100%, to hand in his resignation and walk away from the beleaguered club.
What a mess!
This week they’ll be without Gallen and Lewis (Origin) whilst there’s a string of chances to accommodate Carney’s absence.
HEAD TO HEAD
When the two sides met back in round 7 at Remondis Stadium, it was an unconvincing 24 – 18 win to the Roosters.
It was the start of the Roosters finding their form after a slow start to the season however and they haven’t looked back from that match, losing only two of their next eight games – both away to Cowboys and Manly.
When they met at Allianz Stadium last year, it was a Roosters white-wash (40 – 0) and given the events at the Sharks club this week, expect something similar to happen again here.
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Teams:
ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello (c), Nene Macdonald, Mitchell Aubusson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce (vc), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (vc), Jake Friend (vc), Sam Moa, Dylan Napa, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Isaac Liu, Remi Casty, Heath L’Estrange, Kane Evans, Siosiua Taukeiaho.
SHARKS: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Jacob Gagan, Fa’amanu Brown, Jeff Robson, Siosaia Vave, Michael Lichaa, Bryce Gibbs, Anthony Tupou, Wade Graham (c), Tinirau Arona. Interchange: Tupou Sopoaga, Sam Tagatasese, Junior Roqica, Tim Robinson, Sione Masima, Pat Politoni.
