When it comes to traditions in rugby league they don't come much more powerful or solemn than the Roosters and Dragons meeting on Anzac Day.
The Roosters and the Red V will clash for the 21st time on our most important national day and can once again be relied upon to play their part in a unique match in front of a full house at Allianz Stadium.
Both sides arrive at Round 8 short on wins but high on motivation, the Roosters perhaps under a tad more pressure simply because more is expected of them in 2023 than the Dragons.
Trent Robinson's men sit ninth with three wins and three losses but their much-vaunted attack is producing only 18 point per game, a far cry from the likes of Brisbane (29ppg), Cronulla (27ppg) and Penrith (26ppg).
They confront a Dragons side low on confidence after back-to-back losses to the Titans and Raiders, and seemingly worn down by the constant speculation surrounding coach Anthony Griffin's future.
With an ounce of luck and a couple of smarter choices in the big moments they could have come away with wins in both those games and history shows they always lift for Anzac Day, holding a 12-8 advantage since the inaugural clash in 2002.
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Team News
Roosters: No further changes on game day after Terrell May was replaced on the bench by Naufahu Whyte on Monday. Joseph Manu has been moved to five-eighth with Luke Keary going to halfback and Sam Walker playing NSW Cup. Paul Momirovski is the new centre. World Cup winner Angus Crichton makes his comeback and will fill the hole left by Nat Butcher's suspension. Sitili Tupouniua has been named to play his first game since Round 18 last year having recovered from an ACL injury.
Dragons: Anthony Griffin has made a late change with Michael Molo promoted to the starting side, Jaiyden Hunt joining the bench and Zane Musgrove going back to 18th Man. With Jaydn Su'A sidelined by a shoulder injury, Ben Murdoch-Masila returns to the pack after playing NSW Cup in Round 7.
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Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won eight of their past nine games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won nine of their past 14 Anzac Day games against the Roosters.
- Roosters winger Jaxson Paulo has scored five tries in his past three games at Allianz Stadium.
- Dragons centre Zac Lomax has scored five tries in eight games against the Roosters.
- Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will play a record 12th Anzac Day game against the Dragons.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.