KEY MATCH-UPS IN SYDNEY ROOSTERS-MELBOURNE PRELIMINARY FINAL:
* LATRELL MITCHELL v CURTIS SCOTT:
On paper, it looms as a David versus Goliath battle. NSW X-factor Mitchell is one try away from becoming the eighth Rooster and first since Michael Jennings in 2013 to score 20 tries or more in a season. And he is 23 points away from equalling Ivan Cleary’s 1998 record of 284 points, the most by a Rooster in a season after scoring 13 tries in his past eight games at the SCG. On and on it goes. But few would dismiss Scott, who appears as hungry as ever after overcoming an extended sideline stint with a foot injury and off-field problems to force his way into the starting side at the expense of gun centre Will Chambers.
* JAMES TEDESCO v RYAN PAPENHUYZEN:
A short-priced favourite to claim the Dally M Medal, Roosters No.1 Tedesco is arguably the NRL’s best player. An electric runner, attacking weapon Tedesco seemingly can pop up anywhere to make a rival pay dearly for a mistake. But he will no doubt be looking over his shoulder at upstart Papenhuyzen who is harder to contain than his surname is to pronounce. Blessed with blistering speed, Papenhuyzen has forced his way into the starting line-up, ensuring playmaker Brodie Croft is sniffing around for other opportunities, reportedly at Brisbane next year. In five games as the Storm’s full-time fullback, Papenhuyzen has averaged a ridiculous 211m and seven line breaks along with three tries and almost six tackle busts per game, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.
* JAKE FRIEND v CAMERON SMITH:
In scenes reminiscent of Cooper Cronk’s pre-2018 grand final fitness battle, the Roosters have kept their cards close to their chest over the availability of inspirational hooker Friend for this clash. Sam Verrills has been named at No.9 and Friend on the bench but coach Trent Robinson is set to re-shuffle his line-up after the wily rake had overcome a two-month layoff with a fractured forearm. If Friend is anywhere near full fitness, Robinson will no doubt inject a player considered the heart and soul of the side. And it seems the Roosters will need all the dummy-half guile Friend can muster. Melbourne look set to lift for what might be Smith’s final game. Storm coach Craig Bellamy admitted record 410-game veteran Smith might be tempted to hang up his boots immediately if the Storm are knocked out by the Roosters in the 2018 grand final re-match.
