Dragons v Roosters: Late changes for Red V; JWH, Radley benched
The traditional Anzac Day clash between the Dragons and Roosters is one to circle in the rugby league calendar every year and one every player cherishes being a part of.
Both teams come into this one off the back of a narrow win; the Roosters weren't exactly convincing against the Warriors in round six but a super second half from young star Sam Walker got them over the line.
The Dragons were even scratchier against the Knights but after four straight losses simply needed to find a way to win, and they did.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Dragons v Roosters
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: Further changes for Anthony Griffin in the 1-hour update with George Burgess and Josh McGuire promoted to the run-on side, which will see Tariq Sims move to the bench. Burgess replaces Josh Kerr, who dropped out of the 19 on Saturday. Blake Lawrie and Aaron Woods stay on the bench. Tyrell Fuimaono and Tautau Moga both played NSW Cup on Sunday.
Roosters: Positional changes for the Tricolours with Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Nat Butcher to start, shifting Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley to the bench. Paul Momirovski replaces Kevin Naiqama in the backline after he was a late withdrawal from last week's win over the Warriors.
Match: Dragons v Roosters
Round 7 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Moses MbyeFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Roosters is number 3 Paul Momirovski
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Jack BirdFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sam Walker
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Francis MoloProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCulloughHooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam Verrills
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Prop for Dragons is number 17 George BurgessProp for Roosters is number 17 Siosiua Taukeiaho
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'a2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 16 Josh McGuire2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De BelinLock for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 11 Tariq SimsInterchange for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Talatau AmoneInterchange for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Blake LawrieInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Drew Hutchison
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Interchange for Dragons is number 20 Aaron WoodsInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Fletcher Baker
Reserves
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Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Tautau MogaReplacement for Roosters is number 22 Adam Keighran
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Tariq Sims v Angus Crichton: the two former Blues teammates could be set for a fiery match-up on that side of the field if Crichton again gets solid minutes out wide. He's spent time coming off the bench as Trent Robinson looks to get the best out of him while Sims has also been shuffled through the middle rotation at times this year. Expect no backward steps from either man come Monday.
Stat attack
Dragons halfback Ben Hunt leads the NRL for line-engaged runs with 51, which is 10 clear of second-best, Nicho Hynes. The Red V are at their best when he gets his hands on the ball and he will have plenty to do against the Tricolours.
Match: Dragons v Roosters
Round 7 -
home Team
Dragons
10th Position
away Team
Roosters
6th Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
