SYDNEY ROOSTERS v MELBOURNE STORM

[Waylander]

ROOSTERS SQUAD v STORM

Round 20 - Saturday 20th July, 7:35pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Last week was all about JWH, this week is a look at life without him. This is a huge game in the context of our season ... a win here could set us up for a possible top 2 finish (with an eye on Panthers v Storm in Rnd 24). If we are to compete with the Storm, the rest of the pack must stand up. Our power game has been winning us games, punching big meters out up the middle, then using our classy backline to capitalise. It can't change this week, even if we don't have our spiritual leader out there. Big games required from Leniu, May & Whyte. We know what we'll get from Collins - assuming he is OK to back up.

Sua'ali'i returns from his enforced rest after Origin 1, which notionally improves our center stocks. With the Origin boys backing up, and no JWH, it's a big ask for our pack. Our record against the Storm (outside of finals games) is pretty poor recently. Our record in Bleaksville is as ordinary as their weather. In round 7 we were 12-12 with 5 minutes to play before Coates scored the match winner. We had our chances - we failed to capitalise on Munster being binned in the second half. Despite our recent record, the bookies have us as favourites for this game, we are at $1.80 to the Storms $2.00. We are also now clear 2nd favourites for the premiership at $3.75, behind the Panthers @ $3.00. The Storm are out to $4.50. We'll know how close this is by about 9:20 on Saturday night.

I'm expecting this to be a cracker of a game. Very physical in the middle, with both sides looking to assert dominance as we start to look towards September. Hughes must be shut down - he is at the top of his game at the moment. He also has a habit of breaking us open, and usually scores against us. Kez & Gus will need to work together to keep him quiet. Munster is still out for them. I'm looking for Radley and Gus to dominate both edges. I think this is where our we have an advantage. A great battle also looming with the wingers well matched physically and used very similarly by their respective teams. Young against Warbrick should be a great tussle. Toops against Anderson is a plus for us.

Consecutive games since our top 17 was available: 117

I can't wait. Bring it on !!

Roosters by 7


GO EASTS !!

ROOSTERS:
1. Teddy
2. Tupou
3. Sua'ali'i
4. Tupouniua
5. Young
6. Keary
7. Walker
8. May
9. Smith, Brandon
10. Collins
11. Chrichton
12. Radley
13. Watson

INTERCHANGE:
14. Smith, Sandon
15. Leniu
16. Butcher, N
17. Whyte

RESERVES:
18. King
19. Wong
20. Steep
21. Elliott
22. Foketi
23. Jennings
24. Dockar-Clay

[Waylander]

I also see that the Panthers have named Cleary against the Dolphins, but are resting Edwards, To'o, Luai and Yeo. The Dolphins look pretty much full strength. We can but hope.

[Bates]

ROOSTERS SQUAD v STORM

Round 20 - Saturday 20th July, 7:35pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Last week was all about JWH, this week is a look at life without him. This is a huge game in the context of our season ... a win here could set us up for a possible top 2 finish (with an eye on Panthers v Storm in Rnd 24). If we are to compete with the Storm, the rest of the pack must stand up. Our power game has been winning us games, punching big meters out up the middle, then using our classy backline to capitalise. It can't change this week, even if we don't have our spiritual leader out there. Big games required from Leniu, May & Whyte. We know what we'll get from Collins - assuming he is OK to back up.

Sua'ali'i returns from his enforced rest after Origin 1, which notionally improves our center stocks. With the Origin boys backing up, and no JWH, it's a big ask for our pack. Our record against the Storm (outside of finals games) is pretty poor recently. Our record in Bleaksville is as ordinary as their weather. In round 7 we were 12-12 with 5 minutes to play before Coates scored the match winner. We had our chances - we failed to capitalise on Munster being binned in the second half. Despite our recent record, the bookies have us as favourites for this game, we are at $1.80 to the Storms $2.00. We are also now clear 2nd favourites for the premiership at $3.75, behind the Panthers @ $3.00. The Storm are out to $4.50. We'll know how close this is by about 9:20 on Saturday night.

I'm expecting this to be a cracker of a game. Very physical in the middle, with both sides looking to assert dominance as we start to look towards September. Hughes must be shut down - he is at the top of his game at the moment. He also has a habit of breaking us open, and usually scores against us. Kez & Gus will need to work together to keep him quiet. Munster is still out for them. I'm looking for Radley and Gus to dominate both edges. I think this is where our we have an advantage. A great battle also looming with the wingers well matched physically and used very similarly by their respective teams. Young against Warbrick should be a great tussle. Toops against Anderson is a plus for us.

Consecutive games since our top 17 was available: 117

I can't wait. Bring it on !!

Roosters by 7


GO EASTS !!

ROOSTERS:
1. Teddy
2. Tupou
3. Sua'ali'i
4. Tupouniua
5. Young
6. Keary
7. Walker
8. May
9. Smith, Brandon
10. Collins
11. Chrichton
12. Radley
13. Watson

INTERCHANGE:
14. Smith, Sandon
15. Leniu
16. Butcher, N
17. Whyte

RESERVES:
18. King
19. Wong
20. Steep
21. Elliott
22. Foketi
23. Jennings
24. Dockar-Clay

Agree can't wait. We are ready! Bring it on.

[ism22]

I hope to see May rise to the next level without JWH there (and with Collins/Leniu having tired legs from Origin).

No excuses after the bye. I wanna see him do biiig minutes and faaarkin rip in!!!!

Whyte and Rads (the Pommie git!!!) can join him too, ay.

[Chook2]

On a quick note great to see Rob toia back in reserve grade this week - let’s hope he gets a good run of games as reportedly he is looking very strong training
- this is a big game for us mentally for the chooks and fans to know we can actually beat the storm
storm missing Munster / coasted and NAS while we have all bat Manu and jwh
after the bye and Collins and Leniu only playing half a game in origin and Watson maybe 20 min we should have enough in the tank
expecting it to be close - if our forwards aim up and get on top it will come down to cheese, walker and Keary controlling the game for us
chooks by 2

[bondi.boy]

When do we ever beat the Storm, in the new rugba leeg.
We can win this game, if we play our very best footy for the full 80 minutes....
...and aren't subject to circus music and streamers refereeing.
Storm's home game, very hard for visitors to win.
Go Roosters!

[JAF]

For me, this is an opportunity to make a statement.
If we can win well and put in a dominant performance, then the rest of the teams will start to shudder at facing us!

[Mickie Lane]

For me, this is an opportunity to make a statement.
If we can win well and put in a dominant performance, then the rest of the teams will start to shudder at facing us!

Same

[Mickie Lane]

The Storm are an incredible club & it will give us all a good indication of where the Chooks are at.
It was a very close game earlier this year so lets just hope the Chooks get the win this time.

[nayfo]

Another great write up Waylander. Appreciate the effort put in, hopefully the chooks put in as much effort on Saturday night and we smoke the storm

[Easts75]

On a quick note great to see Rob toia back in reserve grade this week - let’s hope he gets a good run of games as reportedly he is looking very strong training
- this is a big game for us mentally for the chooks and fans to know we can actually beat the storm
storm missing Munster / coasted and NAS while we have all bat Manu and jwh
after the bye and Collins and Leniu only playing half a game in origin and Watson maybe 20 min we should have enough in the tank
expecting it to be close - if our forwards aim up and get on top it will come down to cheese, walker and Keary controlling the game for us
chooks by 2

Hopefully he remains injury free for the rest of the year and gets some confidence for most probably his debut in round 1 next year

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Good write-up Waylander.

Between you and Thirteen we are spoilt.

These two teams are a good watch when they clash. The styles and mutual respect seem to bring out the best.

[zac]

hats off to the storm on top of the ladder despite missing crucial players. time to give them a reality check

[BTRD]

I'm pumped for this one.

Just hope Bellamey doesn't have a plan to expose S Tupouniua - like they did a couple of years back with Hutcho in the centres.

I believe we can and WILL win.

GO ROOSTERS.

[Intercept]

My great (hopefully irrational) fear is that Collins gets it wrong, trying to stand up to NSW tomorrow night. All these former Qld Origin reps trying to embarrass their pack, to provoke a response, who knows whether they lose their head trying to prove a point. I hope not! Keep a lid on it, Lindsay!