The Dragons were hoping to mark their 2010 premiership reunion with a win over the side they conquered 14 years ago, but those plans may have just unravelled.
Roosters halfback Sam Walker has been named for the first time this season, and his return couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Red V.
The 23-year-old has been sidelined since Round 26 last year with a torn ACL, and just as he was preparing for a June return, a broken thumb at training forced further surgery and more frustration.
But now, fully fit and raring to go, the Roosters playmaker is set to pull the strings in the highly anticipated rematch at Kogarah this weekend, and tilt the contest sharply in favour of the Bondi club.
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Walker headlines Roosters boost as Dragons brace for impact
And it’s not just Walker. The Roosters are suddenly stacked with returning firepower. Centre Billy Smith (knee) and Victor Radley (concussion) both slot back into the side, while a host of Origin stars, Rob Toia, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton and Spencer Leniu, have all been named to back up from Wednesday night’s decider.
The Dragons, for their part, welcome back Luciano Leilua (quad) and Hamish Stewart (concussion), but Corey Allan drops out of the matchday squad to make way for Maroons rep Valentine Holmes, who’s also been named to back up.
Still, the home side now face an uphill task, made steeper by Walker’s return.
With the stage set for a celebration of old glory, the Roosters appear determined to spoil the party, and with Walker back in the No.7, they might just succeed.