Roar Guru
Monday night footy comes to Allianz Stadium as the St George Illawarra Dragons do battle with the Sydney Roosters. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for all the action.
The Roosters are coming off a sold win against the Warriors in New Zealand. Under-strength thanks to Origin, the Tricolours fought back and recorded an important win at Mt Smart Stadium.
Tonight they should be boosted by the return of conquering Blues Mitchell Pearce, Michael Jennings, Boyd Cordner and Queensland’s Aiden Guerra. Jennings was sensational at the MCG and will want to take that form back to clubland.
The Origin returns mean Shaun Kenny-Dowall moves to the wing and Brendan Elliot drops out of the team. Pearce’s return sees Jackson Hastings return to the bench in place of Matt McIlwrick. Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Mitchell Aubusson also drop back to the bench in place of Willie Manu and Suaia Matagi, who has been named as 18th man.
The Dragons have been the surprise packets of 2015 and they sit in third spot in the ladder, just two points off the Broncos. After a tough season last year they have really turned things around.
Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall are firing as a halves combination and the Dragons have a mean, unforgiving defence. Mitch Rein and Josh Dugan are have great campaigns while the likes of Mike Cooper, Tyson Frizell, Trent Merin and Leeson Ah Ma have impressed. The Dragons might have an unheralded forward pack but they have really stood up this season.
Their 17 is pretty unchanged, with Joel Thompson’s leg injury seeing Will Matthews start and Jake Marketo come onto the bench.
Sparks will fire as these old rivals and top-eight contenders lock horns. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for all the action.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson