Roosters v Tigers preview

Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers
Allianz Stadium - Friday 7:35pm

Looking at recent results, you'd be forgiven for thinking Channel 9 picked a dud game to put in the prime position on Friday night. You couldn't be more wrong. The clash between the Roosters and the Tigers should be a great game, with solid defence coming up against a formidable attacking side.

The Roosters will be concerned at their alarming start to 2015, however they are still one of the better teams in the competition in spite of this. Narrow losses to the Broncos, Storm and Dragons, as well as losses to the Rabbitohs and Sharks, have left the Roosters in an unenviable 12th position on the ladder. Their recent string of losses will have to break sooner or later, and it could be the Wests Tigers that bear the brunt of a Roosters side just waiting to click.

Aidan Guerra and Mitch Aubusson have been included for the Roosters, with Lagi Setu and Willie Manu the men to miss out.

The Tigers snapped their own mini-streak of losses in Round 8, solidly defeating the Bulldogs 38-14. It caused a sigh of relief in the Tigers camp, as they had just endured back to back losses to the Raiders and the Warriors.

With Tim Simona out for at least a month, the Tigers have moved Chris Lawrence into the centres. Cult hero Keith Galloway will make his return this week, which will help take some pressure off Aaron Woods in taking on the Roosters' forward pack. Martin Taupau will also be out to stamp his mark on the game after a LeagueUnlimited Player of the Match performance for the Kiwis in the ANZAC Test.

Last meeting: Round 23 2014 - Wests Tigers 4 Sydney Roosters 48

Who to watch: After a great performance for Country in the CvC on the weekend, James Maloney will be looking to continue this form into his club games. His combination with Mitchell Pearce will be interesting, as both the Roosters halves vie for positions in the New South Wales State of Origin team.

Their opposite numbers for the Tigers, Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks, are also looking for higher representative honours, although they are more likely to have a couple of years' wait on their hands. Nonetheless, what better opportunity to test yourself than against some of the best in the competition.

The favourite: Amazingly, the Roosters will start as heavy favourites, with the Tigers $3 outsiders. Don't ask me why, and don't ask the punters either. The Tigers have had 6 times the amount of money placed on them than the Roosters have.

My tip: I think the Roosters will get their first win in a long time this weekend, but I don't think they'll have it easy. They'll sneak home by 2 points on the back of their defence.

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Nene Macdonald 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Sam Moa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Mitchell Aubusson 15. Siosiua Taukeiaho 16. Kane Evans 17. Dylan Napa

1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. Delouise Hoeter 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Kyle Lovett 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Sauaso Sue 18. Jack Buchanan

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Brett Suttor; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten;

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