Sharks v Roosters: Graham, Kaufusi return; Teddy back on deck
The Sharks and Roosters were both part of the finals in 2022 but have been inconsistent so far this season as they look to get combinations right and find their rhythm.
The Roosters have a 3-2 record but are coming off a 20-point loss to the Storm in which they could muster only one try.
The Sharks had a bye in Round 6 after being run down the previous week by the Warriors after leading 20-0.
Craig Fitzgibbon's team have a 2-3 record courtesy of wins over the Eels and Dragons, and losses to the Rabbitohs, Raiders and Warriors.
After losing the qualifying final to the Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium last season the Sharks have been defeated in both home games in 2023 so they'll be looking to deliver a big performance for their loyal fans on Friday.
The Roosters ventured into Sharks territory in Round 12 last season and came away with a comprehensive victory on the back of fullback James Tedesco's brilliance and the return of the skipper from concussion this week will be a big boost for the Tricolours.
Match: Sharks v Roosters
Round 7 -
home Team
Sharks
7th Position
away Team
Roosters
9th Position
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Sharks: A late positional switch with Oregon Kaufusi set to start and Royce Hunt moving back to the bench. Braydon Trindal remains 18th man. Kaufusi (concussion) and Wade Graham (suspension) are the big inclusions with Toby Rudolf (foot) and Dale Finucane (suspension) sidelined following the bye. Thomas Hazelton will play his first game of the season.
Roosters: The visitors are 1-18 with captain James Tedesco back and prop Matt Lodge also on deck for the Tricolours. Coach Trent Robinson confirmed on Thursday that Angus Crichton and Nathan Brown would both play NSW Cup this weekend as they near a return to the NRL potentially by next week.
Match: Sharks v Roosters
Round 7 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione KatoaWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa TalakaiCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Roosters is number 5 Jaxson Paulo
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt MoylanFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Braden Hamlin-UeleProp for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
-
Prop for Sharks is number 16 Oregon KaufusiProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Egan Butcher
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnesLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 8 Royce HuntInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Drew Hutchison
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Wade GrahamInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Naufahu Whyte
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack WilliamsInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Terrell May
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas HazeltonInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Matthew Lodge
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Braydon TrindallReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Corey Allan
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have not defeated the Roosters at PointsBet Stadium since 2016.
- The Roosters have won their past seven games against the Sharks.
- Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 16 tries in 16 games at PointsBet Stadium.
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored a try in his last three games at PointsBet Stadium.
- Sharks winger Sione Katoa requires one try for 50 NRL tries.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
