The Bulldogs will arrive at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night a little short on troops but one thing can be assured, Coach Des Hasler has the 17 men selected ready for a tough match against the Roosters.
With Trent Hodkinson, Josh Morris, Josh Reynolds and Tony Williams all selected in the NSW side earlier in the week, Hasler has made four changes to the side that defeated the Warriors 16-12 last Sunday in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Chase Stanley will shift to left centre with Samoan international Krisnan Inu coming into the side to replace Morris. Reni Maitua will make his first appearance in blue and white in the top level since 2008 at five-eighth and will partner young gun Moses Mbye in the halves in what will be his second match in the NRL. Dale Finucane will come into the back row with Pat O’Hanlon coming back into the side on the interchange bench.
Front rower James Graham says whilst the side may be missing some regulars, he expects the men coming in to rise to the task.
“It will (be difficult) but that’s the nature of the beast at this time of year,” Graham said. “The knock-on effect is that we miss them but it’s a huge opportunity for other guys to stand up and show us what they’re made of.
“We’re not getting carried away with the way that we’ve been going. The work just keeps getting harder and we need to keep getting better.”
They will come up against a Roosters side that will be looking for a turnaround in form after a heavy 42-10 loss to the Cowboys in Round 10.
Whilst losing Michael Jennings and Aiden Guerra to Origin selection, along with Boyd Cordner to injury, the 2013 Premiers will welcome back Mitchell Pearce from his club-imposed suspension and he will be partnered by James Maloney who missed out on NSW selection for game one.
On a night where the club will be celebrating 10 years since the 2004 Premiership, it will be the 17 men out on the field who will be looking for a similar result to that day and also registering the NRL side’s eighth consecutive victory.
Head to Head
Played 163, Bulldogs 78, Roosters 80, drawn 5.
Last time they met: Round 5, 2014, Bulldogs 9 – Roosters 8 at Allianz Stadium
Both clubs invite you to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the 2004 Grand Final, and with 2004 pricing there is no better time to show your support at ANZ Stadium! Tickets start at just $20 for Adults and $50 for Families, with a free souvenir Bulldogs 2004 and 2014 team poster for Bulldogs supporters.
Please note: NRL Junior Passes will be accepted at the entry to this game, and rail travel to Sydney Olympic Park is included in all tickets.
Secure your seats now, head to Ticketek.com.au
