The Sydney Roosters will be looking to carry on the form which they displayed in their 42-16 win against the North Queensland Cowboys in round nine when they host the Canberra Raiders on Thursday.
The Raiders lost in a close 14-20 game against the Melbourne Storm last weekend, an early mistake from Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad handing the Storm a comfortable try.
In a repeat of last year's grand final, the Roosters will once again be the favourites for this weekend's match, just as they were at the end of last season when the Sydney side won the NRL Premiership.
Team news
Brett Morris, who returned from a groin injury, is named in the starting lineup in place of Ryan Hall.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Head Coach Trent Robinson said:
"He trained well yesterday so it will be when he walks in this morning [we'll make a call] but he had a good day yesterday so that's positive news," Robinson said.
"We'll have to see [if he ends up on left edge with brother Josh]. You know what I'm like with that, we'll name our teams but you don't give a day's notice on changes or things you want to do. We'll have to wait and see."
Roosters captain Boyd Corner is back after a head knock, pushing Mitch Aubusson and Poasa Faamausili into the reserves. Isaac Liu will return to the starting side with Nat Butcher and Drew Hutchison dropped from the squad.
Curtiss Scot will not play due to an infected cut on his arm, with Semi Valemei replacing him on the bench. Hooker Josh Hodgson and Bailey Simonsson have joined the injury list, with Siliva Havili and Jordan Rapana taking their places and Tom Starling coming into the interchange.
Joe Tapine has been named to start at lock on Thursday, with Kai O'Donnell on the bench. Reserve Raiders halfback Matt Frawley joined Curtis Scott and was omitted from the side 24 hours before kick-off.
Teams
Sydney Roosters
Starting 13: Tedesco, Ikuvalu, Morris, Manu, Morris, Keary, Flanagan; Waerea-Hargeaves, Friend, Taukeiaho, Cordner, Crichton, Liu
Interchange: Lam, Tupouniua, Aubusson, Collins
Reserves: Faamausili, Hall
Canberra Raiders
Starting 13: Nicoll-Klokstad, Cotric, Croker, Oldfield, Rapana, Wighton, Willimas; Papalii, Havili, Lui, Young, Whitehead, Tapine
Interchange: Starling, O'Donnell, Sutton, Valemei
Reserves: Medlyn, Williams
Ones to watch
Sydney Roosters - Matt Ikuvalu
Coming in at the last minute from the interchanges before the Roosters' game against the Cowboys, Ikuvalu was on fire
He scored five of the Roosters' eight tries from out on the wing and was crucial in his side's victory.
His form on the right left Ryan Hall in his shadow, and he was incredible in round nine. With the wide, open spaces at the SCG, Ikuvalu might shine once again.
Canberra Raiders - Elliot Whitehead
Although the Raiders' forwards have left much to be desired, Englishman Elliott Whitehead is one to watch on Thursday.
In his fifth season in the capital, the backrower gives Canberra their edge on the left. His season tally of four tries and seven line breaks so far is one that may be extended at the SCG.
Last meeting
The two last met in the 2019 NRL grand final, a late try from James Tedesco winning the Premiership for the Roosters.
Where to watch on TV and Stream
For those in the UK, the game will be available to watch live on Sky Sports Arena.
For viewers in Australia, the game is available on Nine, Kayo and Foxtel.
For international viewers, the game will be available to watch on Watch NRL.