Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 16 clash between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Sydney Roosters Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Date: Sunday, June 22, 4:05 pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Salesi Foketi 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Tom Rodwell 21. Taylor Losalu 22. Chad Townsend 23. Xavier Va’a 24. Jake Elliott
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Griffin Neame 17. Thomas Mikaele 18. Jake Clifford 19. Karl Lawton 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Braidon Burns 23. Thomas Duffy 24. Marly Bitungane
Referee: Ashley Klein
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Nothing beats Sunday afternoon footy: this weekend, two teams who need a win will face off in what could either be an entertaining game or a blowout.
The Roosters got out of jail against the Knights last week, with a controversial try awarded to back rower Siua Wong. Though they conceded the first try, the Roosters did well to keep the Knights to only eight points. With the win, the Roosters moved into the top eight for the first time this season.
Last Saturday night was one to forget for the Cowboys, going down to the Dolphins by 54 points. The Cowboys were missing four players due to Origin commitments, and without Tom Dearden, they lacked direction. It also didn’t help that both Scott Drinkwater and Tom Duffy went off for HIA’s, leaving the Cowboys down on attacking prowess.
All Origin players have been named for the Roosters, although their selection will depend on how they pull up after the game. Mark Nawaqanitawase moves back to the wing. Egan Butcher and Victor Radley are both out due to concussion. Makahesi Makatoa and Taylor Losalu have both dropped to the reserves.
The Cowboys have named all of their Origin players as well. Viliami Vailea returns from suspension, which sees Braidon Burns move to the reserves. John Bateman also returns from a one-match suspension. Jason Taumalolo is out with a calf injury. Harrison Edwards and Sam McIntyre move to the bench. Kaiden Lahrs and Tom Duffy drop to the reserves.
Both teams have some quality forwards, and it will be good to see which one gets the upper hand. However, they won’t be at full strength due to both sides having players return from the Origin series. For the Cowboys to beat the Roosters, their forwards need to lay the platform they didn’t against the Dolphins. It will be easier for them to do it with Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai back in the forward pack.
The fullbacks hold the key for both teams in this game. Both James Tedesco and Scott Drinkwater are proven gamebreakers, and if this game is ripe for the taking at any stage, either one will provide the game-winning play or try.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Roosters by 6 points.
Check out our round 16 predictions here.
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