NRL 2021: Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks, round 5 preview

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 10 Apr 2021, 06:34 PM

The Roosters proved they can win without Luke Keary last weekend, but now need to back that up against an in-form Cronulla.

Five-eighth Matt Moylan and fullback Will Kennedy collected three of the Sharks eight tries last weekend in a 38-point drubbing of the Cowboys.

The Roosters finished strongly in their win over the Warriors at the SCG - their first game since Keary suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Saturday 10 Apr

Full Time

Roosters

Sharks

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Highlights Latest

The rundown

Team news

Roosters: Second-rower Sitili Tupouniua has moved to the bench and Nat Butcher comes into the starting side in a late switch.

Tupouniua passed his head knock protocols after failing a HIA last week.

Back-up hooker Ben Marschke made his NRL debut off the bench in round four and retains his place in the squad.

Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Joseph Suaalii were cut from the squad 24 hours before kick-off. Egan Butcher was the last man cut an hour before kick-off and Matt Ikuvalu is the 18th man.

The Roosters have won their past five games against the Sharks.

Sharks: The Sharks are 1-17. Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) and Josh Dugan (head knock) will play despite failing to finish last week's game. In another boost, Jesse Ramien returns to the backline following a suspension.

Ramien's comeback means the versatile Connor Tracey will revert to the interchange and Braydon Trindall is the 18th man.

Andrew Fifita and Nene Macdonald were cut from the extended squad 24 hours before game time. Franklin Pele was cut an hour before game time.

The Sharks are aiming for their first win at the SCG since 1987.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Saturday 10 Apr

Full Time

Roosters

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Mawene Hiroti
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Josh Morris

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Josh Dugan
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Jesse Ramien
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Brett Morris

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Drew Hutchison

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Isaac Liu

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Braden Hamlin-Uele
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Freddy Lussick

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Aaron Woods
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Teig Wilton
2nd Row for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Toby Rudolf

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Connor Tracey
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Ben Marschke

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Aiden Tolman
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Jack Williams
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Fletcher Baker

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Billy Magoulias

Reserves

Reserve for Roosters is number 21 Matt Ikuvalu

Reserve for Sharks is number 18 Braydon Trindall

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
Touch Judge: Peter Gough
Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated: 5/29/2023 4:41:06 AM

Key match-up

He's not as well-known or as experienced as Roosters No.1 James Tedesco but Cronulla's Will Kennedy is proving a handy fullback with five tries in four games - Tedesco has seven. Tedesco also has an impressive 25 tackle breaks over the opening four rounds. Only Brian To'o and David Fifita have more.

Stat Attack

After a rocky start with the boot, Chad Townsend's eight goals last week has now given him 30 points for the season, which has surpassed his modest 2020 tally (21 points) and zooming in on 2019 (41 points). Admittedly, Shaun Johnson was first-choice goal kicker in both years.

Head to NRL Pick'Em and get pickin’ to win a share of $100,000 cash every week!