It was a stand down game for State of Origin players, and the Roosters flew across the Tasman without the likes of Mitchell Pearce, Michael Jennings, Boyd Cordner and Aidan Guerra. Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was also unavailable due to a calf injury.
After being sidelined with a foot injury for over two months, Blake Ferguson was a late inclusion in the side, but the Roosters were against a near full strength Warriors side, and the odds seemed in favour of the home team in Round 14.
After a disallowed try to Sam Moa, the Tricolours found themselves down three tries to one inside the final 25 minutes of the game.
One try to Brendan Elliot, another to James Maloney, then Maloney slotted a field goal and the Roosters were back. That is until Shaun Johnson strikes back with a field goal of his own.
Less than a minute remaining and the Roosters are DEEP in Warriors territory, a Maloney field goal looks inevitable, the Warriors rush up in defence, Maloney pushes passes to Hastings, Hastings to Aubusson, Aubusson to Ferguson and he scores right at the death to seal an incredible comeback win.
Just five weeks later and we will take on the Warriors once again in this Men of League Heritage Round, where everything has just a little bit more emotion to it.
Key Match-Ups:
Number 7: The last time we analysed this match-up, we analysed Johnson up against the rookie Jackson Hastings, and on that occasion it was Jackson’s side that walked away with bragging rights.
This time though, Shaun Johnson faces club Captain Mitchell Pearce who has been in great form for the Roosters this season.
There is little doubt about the fact that Shaun Johnson is electrifying, and has been that way since his introduction to first grade. In season 2015, Johnson has reached a new level, performing at an intimidating level week after week.
It’s the steady playmaker with a strong passing game in Mitchell Pearce versus the razzle dazzle of Shaun Johnson. Both are very different in their style of play, but none the less in-form. Which style of play warrants the two competition points this weekend?
Friend v Friend: Sometimes in Rugby League, it takes one moment of complete and utter brilliance to hear your name echo throughout every training shed, office building and social media site.
In this case, Nathan Friend was a name that was hard not to hear following Round 18, after throwing a freaky backflip pass to help set up his teammate for a try. This shows the incredible athleticism and skill of veteran hooker Nathan Friend.
On Sunday afternoon though, he faces tough opposition in another club Captain Jake Friend.
In a Friend v Friend battle, we see two in-form hookers take to the field, one with plenty of experience and a moment sealed in the Rugby League highlights reel, and another that is one of the toughest competitors in the game, and the most likely replacement for Cameron Smith in the Queensland State of Origin side.
VERDICT:
It was a nail biter the last time we played the Warriors, and that will be no different this week as a Top Four battle awaits this Sunday. Both teams will be boasting strong line-ups and talent all over the park.
The Roosters had a strong win over the Panthers in Round 18, while the Warriors also showed they can rumble against the Storm. It’s a game that the boys can win, but will need to be at their best if they are going to come away from this one with the two points.
It’s the last Sunday afternoon home game for the season Roosters fans, so make sure you get down to the game! There are some great ticket offers on and you can get them by Clicking Here.
