2nd Elimination Final
Sydney Roosters v Warriors
Friday, September 11, 5:15pm, Allianz Stadium – LIVE on Fox Sports 1
Sydney Roosters
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Charlie Taylor 3. Joseph Manu 4. Jake Steadman 5. Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Connor Watson 7. Grant Garvey 8. Billy Tsikrikas 9. Joey Lussick 10. Richard Skelton 11. Vincent Leuluai 12. Reuben Porter 13. Jack Hetherington. Interchange: 14. Nat Butcher 15. Misieli Vaikeli 16. Poasa Faamausili 17. Sukamanu Raki 20. Shaq Mitchell. Coach: Adam Hartigan.
Warriors
1. Brad Abbey 2. Tomas Aoake 3. Marata Niukore 4. Semisi Tyrell 5. Paul Ulberg 6. Kauri Aupouri 7. Erin Clark 8. Tualima Tualima 9. Casey Lafaele 10. Paul Tuli 11. Ofahiki Ogden 12. Matiu Love-Henry 13. Jazz Tevaga. Interchange: 14. Tyler Mohi 15. Mattais Heimuli 16. Amoni Tufui 17. Lewis Soosemea. Coach: Kelvin Wright.
Its a Week 1 rematch from the 2014 finals series as the Roosters and Warriors once again meet at Allianz Stadium.
Much like last year, the Warriors have finished at the bottom of the top eight but aren’t to be taken lightly, last year winning the premiership from 8th spot.
Despite still making the finals, it was perhaps the Junior Warriors worst regular season since 2008.
Finishing with a record of low of 11 wins and 28 points, they haven’t put back to back wins together since Round 3 and 4.
The Roosters on the other hand have won all their games in bunches.
All their wins in 2015 have been followed up by another, going on two 3-game winning streaks and 4-game unbeaten streak late in the season.
The Bondi boys head into the finals on the back of two losses and a draw.
Ins and Outs
The Roosters welcome back tryscoring five-eighth Connor Watson, who replaces Danny Allende. Watson has scored 18 tries in 20 appearances this season.
Zach Nicholls is out which sees Grant Garvey move to halfback and Joey Lussick starting at hooker. Reuben Porter starts at second row for Ryan King.
Experienced centre Marata Niukore returns for the Warriors in place of Junior Pauga. Paul Tuli comes into the starting side, as Mattais Heimuli moves on the bench.
2015 Head to Head
Round 4 – Sydney Roosters 38 – 22 Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium
Round 19 – Warriors 42 – 20 Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium
Finals Encounters
2012, Week 2 – Sydney Roosters 26 – 10 Warriors at ANZ Stadium
2013, Week 2 – Warriors 58 – 6 Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium
2014, Week 1 – Warriors 44 – 30 Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium
Keep An Eye On
Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)
The last time these two sides met Mitchell scored two tries, ran for 231 metres, broke 13 tackles and made 4 linebreaks in a 22-point LOSS. The highly rated Taree junior has been quiet the last two weeks and will be raring to go in his first NYC finals game.
Kauri Aupori (Warriors)
Returning to New Zealand this year after spending time at Penrith, Aupori has been an attacking threat since debuting in Round 21. In six games, the young half is averaging 94 metres a game, has three try assists and 20 tackle breaks.
18TH MAN 