Roosters v Bulldogs: Young, Smith return; Skelton called up

Two sides looking to consolidate their place in the top eight, the Roosters and Bulldogs will put it all on the line when they meet in Gosford on Saturday. 

With Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins in Origin camp, the Roosters' depth will be pushed to its limits when they host a Bulldogs side on the rise. 

Trent Robinson's men will be over the moon to see Watson called up to make his State of Origin debut after the star utility missing the entire 2023 season while their skipper James Tedesco will bring some much-needed experience to the side that after he made way for Dylan Edwards in camp. 

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs once again lose skipper Stephen Crichton to Origin duties but keep their star playmaker Matt Burton who will be crucial to helping the side make it four straight on the Central Coast. 

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Team News

Roosters: Dominic Young will return from a hamstring strain. Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson are all away on Origin duty, with Blake Steep to play his second NRL game after being withdrawn from the Blues' U-19's squad. No changes 60 minutes before kickoff. 

Bulldogs: Mass changes in the final update before kickoff, with Drew Hutchison coming into the starting side at centre in place of Bronson Xerri. Viliame Kikau will make his return from a finger injury in jumper No.23. Jake Turpin has also been named to start at lock. As a result, Josh Curran and Bailey Hayward revert back to the bench.