NRL Round 11 - Magic Round Preview - Roosters vs Cowboys

Match of the Round - two in-form team going head to head at a family friendly time of 5:30 on Saturday evening.

The Roosters come into this match on a 6 game winning streak and have been blowing out their opponents. Fair to say that the attack is running very smoothly at the moment and this is a great chance for the team to consolidate their position in the top 4 when teams are broken up for State of Origin series. This will be a litimus test for the roosters defence - can they bring back the Bondi Wall from 2018 & 2019.

The Cowboys over the last month have been patchy - they have dominated 2 games but then struggled losses to Manly and Parramatta last week. They are definitely down on troops this week, but the Cowboys should not be taken lightly.

A big out for the Cowboys is the loss of Tom Dearden out for 6-8 weeks with an ankle injury. The surprise of team list Tuesday with Jason Taumalolo being rested for such a big matchup.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. James Tedesco vs Scott Drinkwater

Two inform playmakers that have benefitted from the NRL rule changes. The speed of the ruck and the game has brought these two gifted fullbacks into the game. The blueprint will be the ruck speed and the way the hookers can bring the fullbacks onto the ball around the ruck to tire the big middle forwards.

2. Siua Wong vs Heilum Luki

Two young and upcoming second rowers who are starting to establish themselves in the starting teams. Siua Wong will aim to back up his outstanding performance in Gosford last Friday and Heilum Luki will try to continue his strong form and break down the Roosters edge defence.

I'm tipping the Roosters for their 7th win in a row in this one!

Up the chooks!