Official Match Day Thread: Roosters v Souths

[Vasco]

I just hope they don't come out fired up after last week.

We just want a good, controlled performance. That should be enough to beat Souffs, who have been sh!thouse all year.

[Chookies74]

The Interchange Bench is interesting especially how it will be used and the minutes each player will/may play for.

Connor Watson when playing Dummy Half averages around 77 minutes per game - 3 games - 80 / 80 / 72

Dockar Clay - NRL Minutes - 4 games - 13 / 25 / 55 / 9 - Averages around 70 minutes per game in NSW Cup
Wong - NRL Minutes - 7 games - 52 / 40 / 27 / 28 / 25 / 31 / 18 - Averages around 72 minutes per game in NSW Cup
De La Salle Va - on debut - Averages around 37 minutes per game in NSW Cup
Steep - NRL Minutes - 2 games - 12 / 13 - Averages around 62 minutes per game in NSW Cup

I don't watch all games but somefing like
Whyte -25 mins, off, Watson to lock and DC on.
Spencer - 25 - Wong on?
50 min - May off Va on for 15 mins?
60 -Wong off Spencer on
65 - rest Connor? Steep on?
65 Va off - May on

[theGman]

Just don’t run at Taane Milne. Don’t need 4 cat 1 HIAs.

This deluxe grub has nothing to lose but play his usual dirtiness tonight.
Don't think Wayne wants him next year so getting sent to the bin or off wouldn't phase him.

[caz]

i'm happy with the team. yeah, there's a risk that we get a major injury but on the plus side we give sandon a chance to play in a team similar to what he'll be playing in next week. combine well tonight with keary and watson and he'll go into next week with more confidence. also finishing second or third and playing penrith maybe without cleary is a better option than going down to melbourne. win week 1 of the finals and we'd probably play a team that isn't melbourne or penrith in the prelim.
robbo's rolled the dice and there's no law against being lucky

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Perspective
Brandan Smith did the same thing & got the same punishment

Both Brandon and Latrell have been let off lightly. IMO a one game suspension is a light punishment for any player in these circumstances. I hope that the NRL changes the punishment for such offences in tbe off season.

[Big Dog]

Let's send the last Burgess out with a shellacking!

[Big Dog]

This deluxe grub has nothing to lose but play his usual dirtiness tonight.
Don't think Wayne wants him next year so getting sent to the bin or off wouldn't phase him.

Hopefully the match officials get fair dinkum if he does go about his usual grubbiness.

[gragra]

I don't find that 'quite simple' at all RP. Whether we run 3rd or 4th we get a second bite of the cherry, which is the main thing and then get JWH back.And, to be honest, I'd rather play Storm then Panthers next week. Yes I get the optimum of running 2nd with a home qualifier, but on the risk vs reward meter I'd still be running out a Reggies team tonight...who by the way probably still wins.

It's never quite simple. If we play most of our top side ala robbos selection and lose then Penrith can rest players without consequence and if sharks win we play melbne with 1 more game of unrested players . If we win tonight we force penrith to play all their players to ensure a win or they drop to 3rd and we play Penrith on equal terms. I now think robbo has got the balance of selections right. Of course any injury or suspension will make this choice wrong!

[BTRD]

Just win Chooks. We don't want to go to Melbourne.

[HunchoRooster]

Honestly Souffs are pathetic. We should be toweling them up regardless of personnel missing.

Can we brighten the mood and watch Sandon put on a clinic to give us some optimism !?

Also, let's go Marky Mark. Super excited to see him play.

[King Salvo]

Interesting to read the official update from the club noting:

Blake Steep and Jake Elliot remain on the interchange bench, with Michael Jennings 18th Man.

Does that mean Jake Elliot is getting a start?

Michael Jennings (18) and Jake Eliiot (21) are the two remaining reserves - Blake Steep is on the interchange bench since Lindsay Collins has been omitted from the starting 13.

[Thirteen]

Honestly Souffs are pathetic. We should be toweling them up regardless of personnel missing.

Can we brighten the mood and watch Sandon put on a clinic to give us some optimism !?

Also, let's go Marky Mark. Super excited to see him play.

I love this post. Well said Huncho.

[ism22]

The only ambush I can see is the NRL feeling they owe the Burg@rse family a solid after Sammy B left unceremoniously following DV/drug-related matters.

You'll know it's on if the commentators are spruiking the legend that is the Burgess Dynasty and the refs take and 'anything goes' approach towards Souffs playing grubby.

Other than that we should walk right over the top of them. No Walker? If our forwards play properly, we just need somebody who can spot a 20m overlap and chuck the ball in that direction without dropping it.

[Bates]

The only thing I've ever truly hated in my life is Souffs.

[bondi.boy]

Would normally be looking forward to a clash with the arch enemy with nervous excitement. This one just want it over and done with and see who's left standing for the game that matters next week. Can't believe Robbo hasn't rested more key players this week. We are in a nothing to gain, everything to lose situation here, with our rivals the opposite. I don't buy the argument that a run against a head hunting dirty mob is needed. The combos are already there, Sandon just slots in.

Why did Robbo pick this squad? My guesses are twofold; one he asked Ted, Kez, Gus and they said piss off we're playing. Secondly Robbo is all about positivity so may be aiming that we can somehow still run 2nd and earn a home qualifying final next week. No negativity or second guessing.

Joey Atkins and Gee Whiz controlling things. The best of the bunch but God knows what can happen on the night.

Congrats to Mark and Sal for their debuts tonight. A special moment for both, shame its not a homie.

We were terrible last week.
My guess is Trent wants better attack and better defence, a training session in match conditions if you like.