Saturday’s NRL 2018 Round 21 match is between Sydney Roosters and Nth Queensland Cowboys. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:35 local time with the game to be played at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. The home team Sydney Roosters are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Sydney Roosters and Nth Queensland Cowboys.
When: 19:35 | Saturday 04/08/2018
Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Preview:
The NRL competition is won in October and it’s all about playing well at the right time of year.
This is exactly what the Roosters are doing at the moment and their win last week was a real statement to the rest of the teams that they are a real chance at the title.
The other thing you need when you’re a real threat is your full complement of players.
Luke Keary was injured last week and won’t be part of their team for the next 4-5 weeks.
This will be an interesting space to fill as I think he has been in terrific form and his combination with Boyd Cordner is sensational.
I don’t think they will get hurt this week against the Cowboys who have the taste of a victory after five straight losses.
Although they got the two points, it was a very scrappy game.
KEY BATTLE: Blake Ferguson v Kyle Feldt
One of the real standouts for 2018 for them has been Kyle Feldt and his matchup against Blake Ferguson on the wing should be a highlight.
Both these two are big and powerful.
Look for an aerial raid form the Cowboys.
The Verdict
I like the groove the Chooks are in and can’t see the Cows coming close.
They have too much power and class.
Big game for the Cowboys’ middle to aim up.
The Roosters have a 67-53-3 (55.7 percent) line record playing within its home state as a favourite since 2010.
Unibet Odds:
Sydney Roosters at $1.21
Nth Queensland Cowboys at $4.40
Odds:
Tip: Sydney Roosters at $1.20
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Latrell Mitchell at $12.00
More Info:
Teams:
Sydney Roosters:
1 James Tedesco, 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Blake Ferguson, 6 Ryan Matterson, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11 Boyd Cordner, 12 Isaac Liu, 13 Victor Radley
Interchange: 14 Dylan Napa, 15 Zane Tetevano, 16 Mitchell Aubusson, 17 Kurt Baptiste
Reserves: 18 Nat Butcher, 19 Mitchell Cornish, 20 Sean O’Sullivan, 21 Lindsay Collins.
Nth Queensland Cowboys: 
1 Te Maire Martin, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Enari Tuala, 4 Kane Linnett, 5 Justin O’Neill, 6 Jake Clifford, 7 Johnathan Thurston (c), 8 Matt Scott, 9 Jake Granville, 10 Jordan McLean, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Coen Hess, 13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14 Ben Hampton, 15 Shaun Fensom, 16 John Asiata, 17 Scott Bolton
Reserves: 18 Corey Jensen, 19 Lachlan Coote, 20 Javid Bowen, 21 Francis Molo.
NRL News:
Brett Morris has revealed a hunger to win a second NRL premiership was behind his decision to sign with the Sydney Roosters for next year.
The Canterbury winger this week removed a weight from his shoulders when he penned a two-year deal with the Chooks.
Morris and his brother Josh have been two of the highest profile casualties of the Bulldogs’ salary cap squeeze, forced out because of the club’s financial mess.
The 31-year-old said a desire to win another title, after lifting the Provan-Summons Trophy with St George Illawarra in 2010, was his motivating factor for accepting accepting Roosters coach Trent Robinson’s offer to extend his career.
“I suppose the length of the deal. Also they’re a club that has a great history,” Morris said when asked what tipped his decision in the Roosters’ favour.
“My old boy (father Steve) played there so I’m following in his footsteps.
“They’re a club that’s successful and being in the last few years of my career, it’s something that I want to achieve, I want to win a competition.
“I did it with the Dragons back in 2010. It feels like an age ago now. I’d love to finish my career with another premiership, I think the Roosters definitely have a squad there that can do that.”
Morris admitted he had the option to go over to the English Super League but wanted to prove he wasn’t a spent force.
“I felt like I still had a lot to give in the NRL,” Morris said.
“This year, while it’s been tough, I felt like I played pretty consistent footy.
“That was a big thing for me – I definitely wouldn’t feel out of place next year or the year after.”
Heading into the 2019 pre-season, Robinson faces a massive headache to squeeze Morris, English recruit Ryan Hall, Joseph Manu, former Australian Test winger Daniel Tupou, NSW representatives James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell into five positions in the outside backs.
Tasked with having to fight for his position, despite having 232 NRL games, 15 Origins and 18 Tests to his credit, Morris welcomed the challenge.
“That’s exciting. That’s how you start your career so why not finish it like that? You’re fighting for spots when you’re a young fella trying to get into a team, I suppose it’s no different when you get a bit older,” Morris said.
“If anything, it brings out the best in you, you’ve got to keep working hard. That’s one thing I’ve always prided myself on – my work ethic.”
