NRL Round 10 Preview - Warriors v Roosters @ Mount Smart Stadium

New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters @ Mount Smart Stadium
 
Preview - We get a blockbuster on a Saturday afternoon as the high-flying Warriors host the Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium. The Warriors are flying high at 7-2 after convincingly accounting for the Tigers 26-4 on Saturday, to bounce back from their heavy defeat against Melbourne. The Roosters managed to cling on to a 22-20 victory over Manly as they continued their patchy form this season. 
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - The Warriors, despite winning last week, were left with some key injury concerns. Shaun Johnson is out until Round 11-12 after injuring his ankle, and is replaced by Mason Lino at halfback. Adam Blair and Issac Luke have both been named, despite failing to finish last week’s game against the Tigers. Jazz Tevaga joins the bench after a late withdrawal last week due to injury. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - Trent Robinson had named an unchanged 17 from the one that sneaked past Manly at home last week. However they have lost Victor Radley, has been suspended by the judiciary on Tuesday night for a high tackle.
 
Verdict - Roosters by 1-6 in a high scoring game

Looks like a bit of a trap game for the Warriors with the injuries they have, and with a Roosters’ side desperate to make a statement after a few patchy displays. If the Warriors were at full strength I would have taken them, however the injuries of Luke and Johnson are massive and I think that gives the Roosters a slight class edge. The Roosters I don’t trust particularly at the moment, given Manly possibly outplayed them last week at home, however I think they might lift for this game and sneak across the line in what is sure to  be a hotly contested game.