NRL Round 2 Preview - Roosters v Bulldogs @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs @ Allianz Stadium
 
Preview  - Two old and bitter Sydney rivals clash here, as the Roosters host the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Friday Night Football.  Both sides will be desperate to get back into the winner’s circle, after contrasting losses in Round 1. The Roosters suffered a shock 10-8 loss to the highly unfancied West Tigers on Saturday, with the Roosters attack failing to fire. The Bulldogs would have taken some positives from their 36-18 loss to the Storm, with some impressive attack keeping them in the game at 24-18 with 20 minutes to go, before the Storm finished too strong.
 
History - The Roosters have had the wood on the Bulldogs over the past 5 years, having won 8 of the past 11 contests, including both games in 2017. Both games were close affairs last season, with the Roosters winning 24-18 in Round 12 at ANZ Stadium, as well as a 28-24 victory at Allianz Stadium in Round 2. In 2016 the Bulldogs won both encounters as the Roosters endured a really torrid season, finishing in 15th spot. Overall, during their long and bitter rivalry, the Roosters hold a slender advantage with 86 victories, 80 defeats and 5 draws against the Bulldogs. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - Luke Keary is a big inclusion, returning at five-eight, with Mitchell Cornish dropping to the extended bench. Keary's ability to run the football and create for his outside men was missed last week against the Tigers.  Boyd Cordner has been named to start after being benched last week, and will be looking for a far better performance after his whole forward pack was underwhelming against the Tigers in Round 1. 
 
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - The Bulldogs are unchanged from the side that showed glimpses of their potential in Round 1. Kieran Foran made, I thought, an excellent debut, laying on a try and looking as sharp as I have seen him for a while in his debut for the Club. Big backrower Raymond Faitala-Mariner retains his starting spot following a powerful 80-minute performance against the Storm.
 
 Verdict - Roosters by 1-8
 
Really, on class, the Roosters should win this game fairly easily. However, we saw last week they were well off their game. Like the Tigers did, I expect the Bulldogs to try and hustle them and get in their faces with several numbers in each tackle.  They have, by far, better outside backs than the Bulldogs, however the Roosters forwards need to lift here as Woods, Klemmer and Jackson have the potential to really dominate them. The fact this is a rivalry game, and there has been some rain around Sydney, I think means the Bulldogs can keep this game really close, and try and drag the Roosters into a game that is decided in the final 15 minutes. However, I think the Roosters back at home will have a better night in attack and account for a Bulldogs’ side that is also going to take time to gel with some of their new combinations.