The showdown between two of the game’s elite fullbacks, James Tedesco and Scott Drinkwater, headlines a Saturday blockbuster that promises plenty of points and plenty of entertainment.
Tedesco is locked in battle with Penrith’s Dylan Edwards for the NSW Blues No.1 jersey for the Origin opener while Drinkwater has been dynamic for the Cowboys
The clash in the middle between Naufahu Whyte and Jason Taumalolo also promises to be a beauty as the most capped Cowboy of all time looks to stand his ground against the young bull from Bondi who is averaging 159m per game.
These two sides have met twice previously at Magic Round with the Roosters prevailing 30-16 in 2021 and the Cowboys turning the tables with a 20-6 victory in 2023.
Team News
Roosters: Lindsay Collins returns from concussion so Spencer Leniu reverts to the bench while the versatile Connor Watson starts at lock in place of Victor Radley (suspension). No other changes for the Roosters who are riding a six-game winning streak.
Cowboys: With skipper Tom Dearden (ankle) sidelined, Jake Clifford slides to halfback and Liam Sutton makes his NRL debut at five-eighth. Matt Lodge comes into the starting side in place of Jason Taumalolo, who is being rested. The loss of Soni Luke (knee) sees Xavier Kerrisk join the bench on NRL debut. Former Eel Wiremu Greig is in line for his club debut off the interchange after playing every game in Queensland Cup so far this season.
Stat Attack
The Roosters have won six of their past eight games against the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have won three of their past four Magic Round games.
The Roosters have scored at least six tries in their last six games.
Cowboys players Jake Clifford and Griffin Neame will play their 100th NRL games.
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored seven tries in his last six games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.