After a disappointing finish against the Bulldogs last week, the Roosters face an in-form Parramatta Eels side in search of a win on enemy ground.
The Eels have won three of their last four games, going down to the top of the ladder Cronulla Sharks last week after leading 18-0 early.
The Roosters have lost their last three clashes and will be looking to get back on the winners list in 2016.
KEY MATCH-UPS
1. Latrell Mitchell | Michael Gordon
2. Daniel Tupou | Semi Radradra
3. Dale Copley | Clint Gutherson
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall | Brad Takairangi
5. Joseph Manu | Bevan French
6. Jackson Hastings | Corey Norman
7. Mitchell Pearce | Jeff Robson
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves | Danny Wicks
9. Jake Friend (c) | Isaac De Gois
10. Dylan Napa | Tim Mannah
11. Sio Siua Taukeiaho | Manu Ma’u
12. Mitchell Aubusson | Tepai Moeroa
13. Isaac Liu | Beau Scott (c)
INTERCHANGE
14. Sam Moa | Kenny Edwards
15. Kane Evans | Peni Terepo
16. Connor Watson | David Gower
17. Chris Smith | Daniel Alvaro
18. Ryan Matterson | Rory O’Brien
PEARCE VS ROBSON: After a long stint at Cronulla and a short stay in New Zealand to start the 2016 season, Jeff Robson has recently returned to the Eels for the back-end of the season.
The veteran was in the Eels 2009 Grand Final side and looks likely to finish his career in Parramatta.
His opposite number 7 on Friday night is Mitchell Pearce, and he’s backing up from an impressive showing against the Bulldogs.
These two are very familiar with each other and will be integral to steering their sides to victory.
TAUKEIAHO VS MA’U: With plenty of match-ups offering an assortment of different qualities, this one is arguably the most physical.
Both are run-and-gun forwards that boast plenty of strength and aggression to put their respective sides on the front foot.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
PLAYED: 128 | Roosters: 62 | Eels: 61 | Drawn: 5
LAST FIVE
2015. Roosters DEF Eels 28-18 | at Allianz Stadium
2014. Eels DEF Roosters 14-12 | at Pirtek Stadium
2014. Roosters DEF Eels 56-4 | at Allianz Stadium
2013. Roosters DEF Eels 38-24 | at Pirtek Stadium
2013. Roosters DEF Eels 50-0 | at Allianz Stadium
VERDICT
Both sides are missing some X-factor due to players on representative duty, but there will be plenty of talent on the Pirtek Stadium turf on Friday night.
The sides are very attractive on paper, leaving the final result to be decided by which team is hungrier for two competition points.
If the forwards get going and the Roosters halves-pairing can get to work on the back of it, the Tricolours can definitely walk away from enemy territory with a big win.
