Each week in 2016 bulldogs.com.au takes a look at the opposition for the week and what the players think about coming up against the men in blue and white.
A shock loss to the Gold Coast Titans on Monday night means the Roosters need to win at least 10 of their 14 remaining fixtures if they want to make the finals in 2016.
The Roosters have won six of the past seven between the two sides, scoring 38 points in three of those victories and during the week a number of their key players spoke about the importance of this week's game and what it means to their season.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but we need to be at our best. We’re running out of time to put things together and it has to happen this Sunday.” - Assistant Coach Justin Holbrook.
“You can’t right off your season and were going to be doing everything we can to be there at the end of the year in September. We can’t wait any longer. We can't expect something to happen anymore, we need to make it happen.” - Aidan Guerra.
“It’s getting to the point, where we have to start winning. Every game’s a big game, but I guess this one leading into the bye is pretty important.” – Jake Friend.
“Our boys enjoy playing against their pack and I’m sure it will be a good battle. The Bulldogs are a great team and we’re expecting a tough game again. We all need to turn up and perform on Sunday.” – Jake Friend
“We need to start getting desperate and it’s starting to get to that stage where it’s do or die. Our full focus is on the Bulldogs and getting the win.” – Boyd Cordner.
“It’s pretty important we get the win and then have the bye to try and get a bit of momentum going. It definitely has to start on Sunday against the Bulldogs.” – Boyd Cordner.
“We’ve got the players here. Everyone’s confident and there’s no panic stations at all, from the coaches down to the players. We’re fully focused on the job we have at hand and were looking forward to that.” – Boyd Cordner.
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mitchell Aubusson
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Joe Burgess
6. Jackson Hastings
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Sam Moa
9. Jake Friend (c)
10. Dylan Napa
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Aidan Guerra
13. Isaac Liu
INTERCHANGE
14. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
15. Kane Evans
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
18. Connor Watson
Bulldogs Members & Fans, get excited! On Sunday, May 22 we return to ANZ Stadium to take on the Sydney Roosters in a Sunday afternoon showdown.
Off the field, the Bulldogs are holding the inaugural TAILGATE PARTY from 12:30pm, thanks to Nathans Hotdogs, complete with boot parties, cheerleaders, a marching band, Bulldogs alumni and a live broadcast from the team over at Triple M.
