With their mini-revival halted after just one game the Eels must regroup quickly as they confront a team they have beaten just once in their past five meetings.
After a much-needed victory over the Sharks in Round 13, the blue and golds crashed back to earth on Monday when they were unable to subdue an injury-ravaged Bulldogs outfit at Accor Stadium.
The loss of Maika Sivo to a hamstring injury just prior to kick-off didn't help the Eels' cause but at 18-10 with 15 minutes to play they would have expected to go on with the job and rack up their fifth win of the season.
The Roosters, meanwhile, had their feet up over the long weekend, taking the opportunity to recharge the batteries as they embark on a pivotal month of games against the Eels, Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Dragons.
With the best points differential (+133) in the competition, the Roosters have a distinct advantage over the clump of teams around them on the ladder, but they need to start stringing some wins together if they're to make it to the finals for an eighth straight season.
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Team News
Eels: Winger Maika Sivo has dropped out on game day after failing to overcome a hamstring strain. Daejarn Asi joins the starting side in the centres and Sean Russell goes to the wing. Maroons forward J'maine Hopgood has succumbed to his back injury which sees Joe Ofahengaue shift to lock. Ryan Matterson joins the bench after he was named among the reserves in a bid to return from illness.
Roosters: A switch in the pack an hour before kick-off with Spencer Leniu starting and Jared Waerea-Hagreaves going to the bench. Sitili Tupouniua is 18th man. Winger Dom Young was ruled out with a minor hamstring strain on Friday so Michael Jennings shifted from 18th man into the centres and Junior Pauga moved to the wing. Connor Watson returns from a throat injury to start at hooker in place of Brandon Smith as the Tricolours' Origin contingent return.
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Stat Attack
- The Eels have won four of their six games at CommBank Stadium in 2024.
- The Roosters have won four of their past five games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored five tries in his first eight NRL games.
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored six tries in six games at CommBank Stadium.
- Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored a try in his last three games against the Roosters.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,