NRL Round 24 Preview and Prediction - Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters (3rd) v Wests Tigers (15th) @ Allianz Stadium

Preview - The Roosters will be looking to continue their dominance over the Tigers of recent years when they collide at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. The Roosters lost no admirers last week, despite going down to the Storm 18-13 in Melbourne. The Roosters were forced to deal with a lopsided penalty count and possession count as they hung tough and led the game 13-12 with 5 minutes to go, before conceding that late try. The Tigers won their 2nd game from their last 3 starts, with a stirring come-from-behind victory over Manly at their spiritual home in Leichhardt Oval. The Tigers came from 20-6 down at halftime to win 30-26, sealing the game with a final minute try to Malakai Watene Zelezniak in front of their jubilant fans. 

History - The Roosters love playing the Wests Tigers having won all of their last 9 clashes between the clubs as well as 13 of the past 14. The last 7 of the Roosters victories have been dominant, with all of them being achieved by a margin greater then 13 points. When the side set earlier this season at Campbelltown the Roosters ran out 40-18 winners. 

Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters welcome back veteran fullback Michael Gordon with the unlucky Connor Watson going back to the interchange bench. Mitchell Aubusson and Ryan Matterson are partnered in the centres, meaning Joseph Manu goes back to State Cup.

Wests Tigers’ Scouting Report - The Tigers have named Chris Lawrence to return in the starting back row, after he has had plenty of niggling injuries over the past couple of months. Josh Aloiai made a strong return from two months off from the bench last week, however is only named in Jersey 18 for this game. 

Verdict – Roosters by 14 to 22

The Roosters always give it to the Tigers so I'm not expecting much different here, although the Tigers are playing pretty well at the moment. The Roosters, if they’re on their game, have far too many strike weapons for the Tigers and should win this game by 20 points or more, if both teams are close to their top. The Tigers are playing with plenty of spirit at the moment, so usually this is a game they could cough up 50, but I'm expecting closer to 30. The Roosters have a lot to play for and, coming off a close loss, I'm expecting them to be focused and to win this game by 13 plus.