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: Maika Sivo is back on the wing after being a game-day withdrawal last week due to a hamstring injury. Maroons forward J’maine Hopgood has been included in the No.13 jersey but remains in doubt after interim coach Trent Barrett admitted he shouldn’t have played in Round 14 due to a nerve problem in his back. After starting last week at prop Wiremu Greig is out of the 17, while Daejarn Asi reverts to bench. Edge forward Ryan Matterson is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from illness.
Roosters: With all of their Origin contingent good to go following last week’s bye, there are a number of changes to the last Roosters team which took the field in Round 13. Michael Jennings drops back to be the replacement player, while Sitili Tupouniua, Blake Steep and Siua Wong all drop off the interchange. Connor Watson returns from a throat injury to start at hooker in place of Brandon Smith.
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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.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,