Roosters host Raiders; key players back after Origin series opener at Allianz Stadium.
James Tedesco and the Sydney Roosters host Joseph Tapine and the Canberra Raiders in a blockbuster clash at Allianz Stadium.
TEAMS
Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson, Rob Toia and Angus Crichton have all been named to back up after being selected to feature in the Origin series opener. The Roosters have the longest possible turnaround, so if that group gets through Wednesday's clash unscathed they will likely take the field. Salesi Foketi and Egan Butcher have been named on the bench, with Dom Young, Benaiah Ioelu and Makahesi Makatoa dropping to the extended reserves. The Roosters have been handed a big reprieve with their Round 13 clash being the last clash of the weekend. However, their bye schedule has left much to be desired considering they have the largest contingent of Origin players. The Tricolours play in every Origin-affected round this year and as such are the most heavily effected by the mid-year showcase. While the NRL cannot predict how many players are picked for both NSW and Queensland, it's fair for the Roosters to feel hard done throughout the Origin period.
Owen Pattie replaces suspended hooker Tom Starling, marking his first appearance in the starting side. Simi Sasagi drops to the bench with Hudson Young named to back up after Wednesday's Origin duties. Noah Martin is the man to drop off the bench, with Danny Levi named as a utility to help Pattie with dummy-half duties.