You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
The Roosters celebrate Mitchell Pearce's golden point winning field goal on Anzac Day.

They've already matched last year's win tally, but the Roosters know their 6-3 start will count for little if they don't bank more wins before the hectic State of Origin period drains them of a number of key players.

The Roosters went within two minutes of claiming a crucial win across the ditch in Round 9, only for Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson to sink a late penalty goal to hand the Tricolours a heartbreaking one-point loss. 

Trent Robinson's men face another stern test against a Parramatta side that has won three matches on the trot and boasts arguably the best left edge in the competition. 

Corey Norman, Michael Jennings and Semi Radradra have been destroying opposition defences for the past two seasons, and Roosters right-edge back-rower Mitchell Aubusson knows he'll have to be at his best to stop them on Sunday. 

"They're looking really sharp at the moment," Aubusson told NRL.com. 

"For me, they've always got the attacking flair, but it's probably their defence that has really impressed me the most over the last few wins that they've had. 

"Jenko (Jennings) was here for a few years so we know how good he is, Corey Norman is in career best form and Radradra has been awesome ever since he came into the NRL. 

"It'll be a big job for the guys on the right edge but we're looking forward to the challenge. 

"We always knew Joseph Manu was going to be something special so it's no surprise to see how well he's gone. I expect him to only get better as he gets more games under his belt and this will be a good test for him."

‌A win at home will see the Roosters move into the top four and open up a four-point gap between them and the Eels who currently sit in eighth spot on the ladder. 

With a game against fringe top-eight side the Bulldogs next week, Roosters co-captain Jake Friend stressed the importance of the next fortnight leading into the Origin period.    

"Their halves are coming up with some good plays and they're throwing a lot at opposition defences with their variations in attack. They've got plenty of speed and talent around them so we know it's not going to be easy on Sunday," Friend told NRL.com. 

"This middle part of the season is really important for us as we look to push into that top four. 

"This whole section – especially these two games against the Eels and Bulldogs – are key games before we start losing players to Origin. 

"We're fresh after the week off so we've got no excuses to go out there and get the job done."

 

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Premier Partner

Media Partners

Major Partners

View All Partners