NRL Round 2 Preview and Prediction - Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters V Canterbury Bulldogs @ Allianz Stadium
 
Preview - The Roosters will be looking for back-to-back wins to start off 2017 when they take on arch rivals, the Bulldogs, at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night. The Roosters put together the most impressive 40 minutes of any side in Round 1 as they raced out to 28-0 against the Titans, before a sloppy second half saw them come out 32-18 winners. The Bulldogs went down in a slugfest at Belmore 12-6 against the Melbourne Storm where their attack once again failed to fire despite dominating field possession. 
 
History - These teams have had a very even rivalry over the decades with the Roosters winning 84, the Bulldogs 80, and with 5 draws between them. The Bulldogs won both games in 2016 by 12 points and by 4 points, however the Roosters had won 6 of the previous 7 before that. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - It's no surprise to see the Roosters head into this match unchanged from the side that won convincingly in Round 1.  The Roosters new signing, Luke Keary, scored 2 tries in a highly impressive debut playing alongside Mitchell Pearce. Pearce and Keary struck an outstanding combination as they both drifted onto the same side of the field at times and looked like they had a great understanding of each other’s games. Latrell Mitchell showed no signs of second year syndrome with a barnstorming performance on the Gold Coast in his first match in the centres. I think Mitchell looks fitter and stronger this year and will put himself in contention for Rep football. 
 
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - Des Hasler has kept faith in the side that went down narrowly to the Storm at Belmore. Whilst conditions were certainly tough to play good attacking football, I still thought the Bulldogs’ spine looked clunky and disorganised. Josh Reynolds made 3 errors, however he did look the most likely to make something happen. I expect the Bulldogs forwards to try and physically and mentally give it to the Roosters here, as in last week the likes of Klemmer and Kasiano engaged in a few verbals and scuffles. The Bulldogs’ forwards played with plenty of fire and brimstone against the Storm and managed to win the field possession battle for most of the game. There were a few scuffles and a few heated words and I expect the Bulldogs to try and take on the Roosters’ pack in a similar vein with some aggressive tactics. 
 
Verdict - Roosters by 8+ 
 
I just think that if the conditions are not torrential the Roosters will have far too much attacking prowess here for the Bulldogs. I think the fact they clocked off in the second half last week was a concern, however the game was done and dusted by then, and Trent Robinson will be in to them this week to make sure it doesn't happen again. The Roosters just need to hold the Bulldogs’ pack here. They do not need to dominate them. If they can hold them, then it is a real mismatch outside, I feel, between the back 5 of the Roosters and the back 5 of the Bulldogs. It's only one game, however I think Latrell Mitchell has gone to another level this year and every single one of the Roosters back 7 looks dangerous to me, and they could score a try out of nothing. I can't say the same for the Bulldogs who I'm sure will be fired up, but I can't see them scoring 20+ and they will need that if they want any chance of beating this Roosters’ side.