The Sydney Roosters face a stern test this Friday night when they come up defending Premiers the Penrith Panthers in their own backyard - but the men from Bondi will be bolstered by the return of a cult hero.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers
The Roosters and Panthers meet for the second time this season in the 97th contest between the two clubs - with the Red, White and Blue holding the ledger with 56 wins.
In Round 11 the Panthers took the spoils 32-12, with the scoreline poorly reflecting the effort from Trent Robinson's men in what was a tireless effort which was highlighted by the NRL debut of Terrell May.
This time, however, the Roosters will be looking to even up the scoreline with a win in enemy territory and claim a victory in the NRL's Beanies for Brain Cancer Round.
How They Line Up
A trio of forwards return from the sidelines, highlighted by lock Victor Radley who makes his first appearance since Magic Round six weeks ago, while the Butcher brothers in Egan and Nat have been named after completing their necessary Head Injury Assessment protocols.
James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins have all been named to back up from the second State of Origin match, while Connor Watson is set to play his 50th game in the Red, White and Blue from the interchange bench.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Round 16 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Panthers is number 2 Taylan MayWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
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Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
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Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay Collins
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Roosters is number 6 Drew Hutchison
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Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
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Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Mitch KennyInterchange for Roosters is number 9 Sam Verrills
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott SorensenInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
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Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Jaeman SalmonInterchange for Roosters is number 19 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Reserves
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Replacement for Panthers is number 21 Sunia TuruvaReplacement for Roosters is number 20 Adam Keighran
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Drew Hutchison will return to partner Sam Walker in the halves with Luke Keary absent, while Joseph Manu, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Sitili Tupouniua will also play following their representative round duties.
The Panthers have been spoiled with a full-strength line up, which includes all seven of their Origin contingent named, although former Rooster Ivan Cleary has also named a number of fringe players capable of slotting in should he decide to rest his stars - so watch this space.
Robinson's MHF Connection
Key Match Up: James Tedesco vs Nathan Cleary
Six days after dismantling Queensland together in Perth, James Tedesco and Nathan Cleary will go head-to-head in order to stake their claim as the game's best player on Friday night.
They might wear different numbers on the field, but there's no doubt that these two are the lynchpins for their respective sides; both have claimed the coveted Dally M Medal as Player of the Year and are the focal points for the Roosters and Panthers.
Tedesco has dominated with his trademark running game, scoring eight tries and breaking the line ten times, coupled with five try assists and four linebreaks, stepping up in the absence of Luke Keary and Sam Verrills in the playmaking department.
His opponent in Cleary has continued his form which led the Panthers to the Premiership with twelve try assists and forced drop outs, while he has found himself on the scoresheet twice while breaking the line on three occasions.
In what is expected to be a fiery clash between two passionate sides, look no further than the two maestros to lead their side around the park and dictate the outcome of this Friday night blockbuster.
What They Said
Verrills: "We Can't Wait to Test Ourselves on Friday Night"
Final Verdict
The Roosters will be hoping to head into the bye on a winning note and break a three-match losing streak when they face the toughest test in the NRL - but you can ensure that Trent Robinson will have his men primed for a big performance.
Roosters Members and supporters will be treated to a triple-header out at BlueBet Stadium, with the Roosters Jersey Flegg and North Sydney Bears NSW Cup sides playing prior to kick-off, so get your tickets here and head in early to cheer on the future Roosters!
