Roosters vs. Dragons: A Battle for Survival and Supremacy
The Roosters’ season hangs in the balance as they aim to unleash their star players against a rejuvenated and in-form Dragons side. The Roosters, once hailed as potential title contenders after their season-opening victory against the Broncos, have struggled to maintain consistency, winning only two of their last six games. The onus is on star halfback Luke Keary and five-eighth Sam Walker to rediscover their top form. Coach Trent Robinson faces the crucial challenge of unlocking the full potential of Joey Manu and finding a way to get the ball into the hands of fullback James Tedesco. The Dragons, on the other hand, have defied expectations under coach Anthony Griffin, showcasing significant improvement in their defense and overall resilience. Their victory over the Warriors last week was their best performance in a long time.
Despite his allegiance to his former club, NRL commentator Michael Anasta leans towards the Dragons in this ANZAC Day clash, acknowledging their impressive progress and confidence. He believes this match is a critical turning point for the Roosters’ season. If they fail to rise to the occasion, their championship aspirations could be severely compromised.
Warriors vs. Titans: A Must-Win Clash for Different Reasons
The 10th-placed Warriors take on the last-placed Titans in an ANZAC Day clash where both teams have contrasting motivations. The Warriors have played well despite a tough draw but must avoid a slip-up against the Titans to stay in touch with the top eight and top four. The Gold Coast Titans have shown signs of improvement but face a daunting challenge against the Warriors. Anasta has been impressed by the Warriors’ performances, despite their recent setback against the Dragons. He believes the team has the potential to be a premiership contender and praises the contributions of key players such as Shaun Johnson, Tuivasa-Sheck, and Wayde Egan. However, the nagging question remains: are the Warriors getting the most out of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at center, given the impressive form of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback?
Anasta favors Tuivasa-Shek at fullback, citing his exceptional qualities in open space. He also acknowledges the loyalty shown to Nicoll-Klokstad and the impressive performances he has delivered. Ultimately, Anasta suggests that the Warriors should switch Tuivasa-Shek to fullback if Nicoll-Klokstad struggles, but he appreciates the fact that Tuivasa-Shek has not complained about his current position.
Storm vs. Rabbitohs: A Tale of Two Teams
The NRL’s scheduling intended this match to be a battle between top-four contenders, but the Storm and Rabbitohs currently find themselves at opposite ends of the table. The Storm, despite sitting atop the ladder with the same record as the Sharks, have not been playing at the level of title contenders like Penrith or Brisbane. Key injuries have affected the Storm’s performance, but the return of Nelson Asofa-Solomona should provide a boost to their pack.
The Rabbitohs, on the other hand, have significant issues to resolve, both on and off the field. Anasta believes that improvement is expected, but it may not be enough to overcome Melbourne’s strength at AAMI Park. The Rabbitohs have a dismal record in Melbourne, and a victory on ANZAC Day would be a monumental upset.
Despite the challenges, Anasta remains confident in the Storm’s ability to win most games due to their experienced and talented squad, led by Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant, and Ryan Papenhuyzen. However, he believes that the Storm can still improve their performance levels to compete with the league’s frontrunners.
