What’s at stake for both teams today
With three wins from six matches, the Roosters’ season has hardly taken off. With such an impressive roster, they’re arguably the competition’s biggest underachievers.
A big win will put the Roosters firmly in the top eight ahead of an intriguing match against the Warriors next week.
Meanwhile, the Dragons are desperate for a win. With coach Anthony Griffin fighting for his job, St George-Illawarra are coming off two straight defeats. They’re in 13th spot as we speak.
The bookies have the Dragons at $4.50. They’re certainly not being given much hope. It’s a funny game, rugby league.
Spectators in the stands at Allianz Stadium. Credit: Getty
Fans are on their way to Allianz Stadium
Crowds arrive at Allianz Stadium.Credit: Getty
A member of the Royal Australian Navy sells Rosemary pins for Legacy. Credit: Getty
Rosemary pins are on display. Credit: Getty
Meanwhile…
A patron does a ‘shoey’ during ANZAC Day Two-Up at the Royal Hotel in Paddington.Credit: Brook Mitchell
‘Easy choice’: Why Roosters are certain Crichton’s ready for return
By Dan Walsh
Trent Robinson holds no reservations about Angus Crichton’s ability to handle the emotion and theatre of an Anzac Day comeback from his NRL sabbatical and endorsed the back-rower’s ambition of a rapid return to State of Origin along the same lines.
Crichton’s first Roosters appearance of the year will come in front of 45,000 fans at Allianz Stadium, with Robinson planning to start the 27-year-old rather than ease him into the contest from the bench after he took time out from the game when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder over the summer.
Angus Crichton says he is in a good headspace ahead of his return.Credit: Getty
Crichton spoke on Sunday of being “in a good space” as he resumes his career and putting himself in contention for a NSW call-up five games out from Brad Fittler picking his Origin I side.
There was a belief that Crichton’s comeback may have been held back to avoid the Anzac clash – the biggest regular-season game on the NRL calendar – but Robinson said all indications are Crichton is fully equipped to handle the occasion.
“I thought it was better to get him started,” Robinson said on Monday.
“Between he and Sitili [Tupouniua, who is also returning from an ACL injury], physically I think he’s really good and I felt like the way that I’ve seen him train over the last month as well, he’s hit his mark continuously.
Weather forecast: magnificent
Talk about a perfect afternoon for footy.
Glorious conditions brewing in Sydney’s east for this Anzac Day clash.
Chooks or Dragons? Who will get the chocolates today?
It’s footy time
Good afternoon rugby league lovers.
Welcome to our live coverage of this afternoon’s blockbuster match between the Roosters and Dragons at Allianz Stadium.
It isn’t Anzac Day without a match between these two proud clubs. Punters are spilling out from the pubs of Paddington – after a day of Two-Up and remembering those who served their country – and heading down the hill to the city’s flashest new stadium.
Kick-off is at 4:05pm.
Drew Hutchison and Moses Mbye.Credit: NRL Photos
