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After falling to Penrith last week, it’s now do or die for the Sydney Roosters as they host the in-form North Queensland Cowboys in a the NRL finals. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:55pm (AEST).
The Roosters had won a competition leading six straight matches heading into the finals but you would not have known it following their error riddled performance against the Panthers last week.
Sydney simply failed to click into gear against a very determined Penrith outfit and, as a result, were punished accordingly with a narrow one point defeat right on full-time.
The Roosters found themselves twice in match winning positions in the second half, having led 12-4 and 18-12 over Penrith with just minutes to go.
Their failure to close out last week’s match, however, could cost the Roosters dearly tonight as they take on the very dangerous Cowboys.
The concern for the Roosters remains that North Queensland at their best are a far more dangerous proposition than the Panthers. Furthermore, the Cowboys know how to take it to the competitions big guns, downing the Roosters 48-10 in Round 10.
If the star-studded Sydney franchise offer a repeat of last week’s error riddled performance, they will lose convincingly tonight.
The Cowboys have firepower across the park with Johnathan Thurston, Robert Lui and Michael Morgan pulling the strings in attack for North Queensland.
Upfront, the Roosters will have their hands full containing the NRL’s best forward in Matt Scott. Throw in the recent performances of dynamo forward Jason Taumalolo and the Cowboys certainly have what it takes to bully the Roosters big men.
If both teams show up with their best form, tonight’s contest promises to be one of the most entertaining games of the season.
The battle between in-form halves Thurston and Mitchell Pearce will be critical in deciding which team continues their journey towards the grand final.
The Roosters loss to the Panthers last week has robbed the reigning premiers of some much needed momentum, however with the firepower that Sydney possess momentum should be easily swung back in their favour.
The Cowboys meanwhile are in fine form and possess the confidence and skill required to end Sydney’s ambitions of back to back premierships however they will have to do it without enforcer Tariq Sims.
With North Queensland riding high and exciting matchups across the field this game could well be one of the most entertaining of the season.
Tipping: Cowboys by four