Round 26 Preview: Roosters v Dragons

Dominic Brock | rugbyleaguelive.com | 05/09/08 | 0

AUDIO - Nathan Brown previews tonight's blockbuster

AUDIO - Andrew Moore's Round 26 preview

VIDEO - 'We can beat anyone': New Roosters skipper Braith Anasta

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons
Friday 5th September, 7.35pm
Sydney Football Stadium
Referee: Shayne Hayne

HEAD TO HEAD
Roosters 7 wins, Dragons 10 wins, 1 drawn.
 
FORM GUIDE
Roosters: WLWWWLLBWWWWLWWWBLLWWLLLW
Dragons: LWLLLLWBLWWWWBWWWLLWLLWWW

A top-four finish and home semi-final is on the line in this Friday night blockbuster, with the Roosters able to cement fourth spot and the Dragons a chance to snatch it if they can take thier fourth straight win.

To clinch a home final, St George Illawarra will also need Newcastle to upset the Broncos. But even if they don’t finish fourth, a victory here would give the Red V terrific momentum going into the playoffs.

They’re hitting form at the perfect time, overcoming finals contenders Brisbane, the Warriors in recent weeks before ending Parramatta’s finals hopes with a 40-14 demolition last Saturday.

Wendell Sailor bagged a hat-trick in that game, and he’s predicted under-fire Rooster Willie Mason to lift the tri-colours this week.

The Roosters have just one win from four games, and have been shaken up during the week with Brad Fittler’s decision to drop Craig Fitzgibbon as captain in favour of Braith Anasta.

Anasta – like Mason – is a former winner of the dreaded “most overrated player in the NRL” title, and the pair will have plenty to prove in order to turn around their side’s fading form.

They will have plenty of help in Anthony Minichiello, the star fullback making another fullback from an ongoing back injury this week.

If they lose, the Roosters could go into the finals in sixth position and face an immediate exit.

It's a massive game.

THE BURNING QUESTION
Can the Roosters turn it around against the in-form Dragons before finals time?

KEY MATCH UP
Mark O’Meley v Jason Ryles
Despite his critics, Ryles has had a stellar season for the Dragons in 2008. Constantly leading the pack in terms of metres gained and workrate in defence, he will be out to make a big impact after playing just 30 minutes last week.

The Roosters’ forwards have lost the intimidation factor that laid the foundation for the Sydneysiders’ mid-season purple patch.

While the focus will be on Mason and Fitzgibbon this week, O’Meley is responsible for providing much of the impact up front for the tri-colours.

He’ll be out to assert his ascendancy over the likes of Ryles on Friday night.

COACHES CORNER
Fittler’s axing of Fitzgibbon as skipper is a gamble, and a risky one at this time of the year.

But it could pay off. The coach says Fitzgibbon has taken the decision in his stride and lifted at training this week, while Anasta was one of the Roosters’ better performers in their tight win over Souths last week.

In any case, the home side will need to have their minds in the right place this week, particularly in defence. The Dragons have scored 18 tries compared to the Roosters’ six in the past three games, and look capable of ripping apart most teams at the moment.

PUNTERS GUIDE
Head-to-head: Roosters $2.05 – Dragons $1.75
There’s plenty of talent in the Roosters’ side but unless Fittler’s captaincy switch sparks an instant turnaround, it looks like a St George Illawarra victory here.

They’ve been in exceptional form and still have something to play for, and could win comfortably in the end.

CASUALTY WARD
Roosters: Amos Roberts – shoulder (finals week two), Shaun Kenny-Dowall – knee (finals week one)
Dragons: Justin Poore – knee (season), Ricky Thorby – ribs (season).

BAD BOYS
Roosters: -
Dragons: -

TEAM LISTS
Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Brent Grose, Setaimata Sa, Sia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Braith Anasta (capt), Mitchell Pearce, Mark O'Meley, Riley Brown, Nate Myles, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon. Interchange: Lopini Paea, David Shillington, Mitchell Aubusson, James Aubusson
Dragons: Jason Nightingale, Wendell Sailor, Mark Gasnier (capt), Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Ben Rogers, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Stuart Webb, Jason Ryles, Lagi Setu, Ben Creagh, Dean Young. Interchange: Matt Prior, Kirk Reynoldson, Beau Scott, Ben Ellis, Jarrod Saffy, Jamie Soward, Rangi Chase (three to be omitted)