NRL Round 8 Preview and Prediction - Sydney Roosters v St.George Illawarra Dragons @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Allianz Stadium

Preview - It's an ANZAC Day blockbuster as the Roosters and Dragons collide at a sold out Allianz Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Both these sides missed the finals last season, however with the Dragons sitting on top of the table and the Roosters in 3rd spot, this could easily be a final match-up come early here on the biggest occasion of the regular season. After a couple of poor losses, the Roosters rebounded with a solid 24-6 victory against the Knights in a game which was close for an hour. The Dragons continued on their merry way, holding on for a 28-22 victory over the Cowboys in Wollongong in a game they led 28-4. 

History - The Roosters have a dominant recent record over the Dragons having won 7 of the past 9 games between the two teams. However, the Dragons have managed to upset the Roosters in each of the last two ANZAC Day games. Last season the Dragons survived a Roosters'  comeback to win 20-18 before they were thumped 42-6 later in the season at the same venue. 

Sydney Roosters' Scouting Report - The Roosters get two massive inclusions here with enforcer Dylan Napa and captain Jake Friend both back from injury. After being rested last week, Latrell Mitchell has been named on an extended bench with Joseph Manu retaining his place in the centres. Paul Carter drops back to the bench and is joined by Kane Evans with Ryan Mathewson out with injury. 

St. George Illawarra Dragons' Scouting Report - The Dragons are back at full strength with Josh Dugan back after 3 weeks out with a hamstring injury he suffered against the Tigers in Round 5. His return shifts Jason Nightingale back to the wing and Kurt Mann to the bench. Whilst Gareth Widdop and the Dragons forward pack has stolen all the headlines this year with their outstanding displays, Josh McCrone is playing some of the best football of his career here at the Dragons. 

Verdict -  Roosters 1-6 in a low scoring game

I'm going for the Roosters to win a close one here in what could well be the game of the season. I'm a little worried about their performance in a big game against Brisbane two weeks ago, however I think having lost the last two ANZAC Day games they are going to be desperate to make amends here. I can't fault what the Dragons have done at all this season, however they did concede a few soft tries in the second half last week against a Cowboys' side without Johnathan Thurston. The Roosters have the strike power to cause them similar problems on a dry track in an afternoon game. This will be an intense game in the forwards, with the Dragons having the form forward pack of the competition, and the Roosters with a few big names that will be looking to bring them down to size. I'm expecting this game to be extremely physical up front and a low scoring contest. With the occasion being so massive, I expect both sides' defences to get on top and 18-20 points to be enough to win this game.