Burgess and Matterson to play dragons

[roostersrule2]

I don't think Jared will play although last year he got like a 6 week injury in the Melbourne game before the ANZAC Day game and he played the next week so who knows with him.

The lad is crazy.

[The Brain]

sounding like SKD is moving to left center not sure about .Not sure where that leaves Elliot ..Moley reckons possibly dropped but then who will be on the right wing? I think Elliot will fit there nicely .Good move I hope if thats how it pans out .......also my spy says JWH is havinga hit out this morning...lets see......

[roostersrule2]

It'll be Elliot and Fergo on the right, a combo which scored plenty of tries last year.

Also SKD plays pretty well on the left. He's good anywhere we put him really.

[Insider]

Be surprised if JWH doesn't play, it's only 5 days early on a 7 month recovery. Coming off the bench with 20-25 to go, the crowd will erupt and the boys will surge. Could b the difference if it's close.

[ism22]

Be surprised if JWH doesn't play, it's only 5 days early on a 7 month recovery. Coming off the bench with 20-25 to go, the crowd will erupt and the boys will surge. Could b the difference if it's close.

Yeah but if he does that and goes down with an injury straight away then...

[Vasco]

Fergo gets a dry track today.

Reckon he will go big.

[crikey chris]

Taane Milne to debut against us.

Similar to Joey Manu, great in attack, but suspect in defense.

[eddie]

Not sure why we're blooding matterson. I would think our forward depth is still better than our halves depth and I'd rather see Guerra back at 5/8 with papali in the team again. Looks like jwh won't be back this week which is surprising.

I don't see the value in playing Guerra at 5/8 at all.
Wouldn't it be better to see how Matterson handles first grade?
'Tis the season for the rookie.

[elo]

Niko playing NYC, the changes are a comin'

[Sonjay Billy Bob]

Niko playing NYC, the changes are a comin'

NYC Head Coach Anthony Barnes has named his final 17-man squad ahead of the Roosters Anzac Day clash with the Dragons. There are a couple of new faces in the side this week, with Bradley Mullins at fullback and Lachlan Lam on the bench coming into the side this week. Jayden Nikorima comes into the halves, while Ryan King moves to the second row.

LINK: roosters.com.au

[ism22]

Is jwh 100% not playing? I can just feel he will run out today. And our season will commence.

Other thing to remember is that he hasn't played footy for what... 8 months or so? IMO if he plays, he'll be rusty. He'll add something, but we should be able to win without him if we are worth our money.

For those saying Nikorima adds nothing, I DARE YOU to watch him in defence!!! Thus far he has shown a FREAKISH ability to rush opposition halves!! I know it's difficult to actually watch the game (rather than expecting wingers to score tries with every touch and halves to all kick like JT) but Nikorima has been an absolute freak in defence. WATCH HIM!! The opposition half will be picking the ball up, planning a key moment and outta nowhere he'll get tackled by this little kid. Next set some massive forward will get the ball for a massive run, and Nikorima will have taken out his legs before he's even started running with the ball.

Nikorima isn't JT, but he's farking fast in defence and is a great hole runner. As we start to click, his speed, vision and bravery will be the envy of the comp. Betcha that by the 2nd time we play the Cowgirls he'll be coming on with 15 to go each half and nullifying JT's impact by tackling him before he has a chance to kick then damn ball. The kid is fast and reads well! I challenge anybody on here to find a more promising 18 y/o half.

[Roostarz]

Noticed Manu has also been removed from the 20's side? Any reason?

Edit: wasn't even named to begin with. Injured/suspended?

[roostersrule2]

Indeed, Niko gave Sowie almost no room when he was on.

I rate him highly and this little baptism of fire he's been thrown in will make him even better for when he's actually ready for FG.

[The Brain]

Brett Mullins sitting in front of me

[elo]

THE FINAL 17
1. Latrell Mitchell
21. Joe Burgess
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
3. Brendan Elliot
19. Ryan Matterson
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Sam Moa
9. Jake Friend (c)
10. Dylan Napa
11. Mitchell Aubusson
13. Boyd Cordner
12. Aidan Guerra
INTERCHANGE
14. Kane Evans
15. Mitchell Frei
16. Eloni Vunakece
17. Connor Watson