This Dragons home game will be played at Allianz Stadium – which has yet to be classified as a Dragons home ground – and should prove quite a battle, despite the bookie giving the Roosters favourism.
Both teams have last-up wins and both will be keen to get the points on offer, so what can we look forward to?
The Roosters will have looked at the video of the Dragons’ last game against the Warriors and noticed both Warriors’ tries were scored through the St George’s new centre, Nathan Green. The Roosters are bound to target that side of the field, unless Dragons coach looks at the video too and pulls one of his last minute pre-game changes. Most likely is moving Joel Thompson from second row to centre, leaving in-form Dragons centre Charly Runciman to run around in the NSW Cup.
The match-up of Dragons halves Gareth Widdop and Michael Witt against Roosters James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce will be interesting, with both pairs starting to run into form. Look for Widdop and Witt to demonstrate their evolving combination with fullback Josh Dugan.
Kicking will also play a vital part in this game and again the video of the Warriors game will clearly demonstrate that the Dragons back three are happy defusing bombs, so expect to see more grubbers than high balls.
The Dragons will no doubt be concentrating on containing Sonny Bill Williams as much as possible – look for Tyson Frizell and Mike Cooper aiming up at the dual international. If they can frustrate him at the beginning of the game, he may start to take more risks and make mistakes.
The Roosters look to have too much power in both the backs and forwards but they have failed to deliver consistently, while the Dragons seem to be slowly improving as the season progresses. In what should be a free-flowing, attacking game, I am inclined to go with the Roosters – unless the Dragons come up with a last-minute fix for Nathan Green in the centres.
Kickoff: 4:00pm Friday 25 April (AEST)
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Dragons
1 Josh Dugan, 2 Brett Morris, 3 Nathan Green, 4 Gerard Beale, 5 Jason Nightingale, 6 Gareth Widdop, 7 Michael Witt, 8 Jack Stockwell, 9 Mitch Rein, 10 Dan Hunt, 11 Joel Thompson, 12 Ben Creagh (c), 13 Trent Merrin Interchange: 14 Bronson Harrison, 15 Tyson Frizell, 16 Mike Cooper, 17 Leeson Ah Mau, 18 Jack De Belin
Roosters
1 Anthony Minichiello (c), 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 James Maloney, 7 Mitchell Pearce, 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9 Jake Friend, 10 Sam Moa, 11 Boyd Cordner, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 13 Aidan Guerra Interchange: 14 Frank-Paul Nu’uausala, 15 Mitchell Aubusson, 16 Isaac Liu, 17 Dylan Napa, 18 Daniel Mortimer
danwain
Guest
Can't see Benji coming to the Dragons, however good it would be!
Charles NSW
Guest
I was thinking the same bringing in Benji. With Widdop and Benji in the halves it would certainly pick up the tempo
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Holes all over the place in defense and showing not much in attack. Bring on Benji.
danwain
Guest
Is it just a coincidence that the dragons have conceded over 30 points against the three decent sides they have played this year? Limp and embarrassing today. They did try hard, but lacked anything further than effort, that's a problem.
Jacksyd
Guest
Look for another massive display from SBW, ripping em apart this year.
Jacksyd
Guest
I think you might be confusing him for someone else, this is a stitch up right?
Charles NSW
Guest
Steve Price selections are always interesting especially as he leaves it to the last minute. I have not been impressed with Green so far but he has shown potential as being one of the upcoming potential stars of the future He certainly needs to improve his defence especially if against Michael Jennings who can score easily with his speed, I really think the Dragons can put one over but they need to be on their best. Walter, I thought you were a Dragon?
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
God knows why Price does not like Runciman, he has scored 3 tries in his last 2 games. Price showed the same one eyed support for Farrell also prior to his injury. Who knows what last minute change he will come up with, but if he keeps Green and the Rooster score big time through that part of the field then its on more nail in the Coffin.
danwain
Guest
Price looks pretty set with Green, not even naming Runciman on an extended reserves bench. I thought Green was comfortably our worst player last week and Runciman looked an exciting prospect in his limited chances last year. Is this Price playing favourites once again?
The eye
Guest
Aidan Guerra,looks origin material,been the equal of Cordener this year..