Friday, Sydney Football Stadium, 7.45pm
Referee: Jared Maxwell

The Roosters were hit hard enough before the first two State of Origin games, when they were minus four forwards, but this time they will be without not only that same quartet but also halves Braith Anasta and Mitchell Pearce. When six of your 13 starters go, that has got to bring any opponent in with a chance yes, even the Bulldogs, even though they have struggled big-time recently.

The Bulldogs reached a runaway season low when they were flogged 58-18 by the Raiders last weekend, but they do get superstar Sonny Bill Williams back for this game and that is obviously a huge plus. The Bulldogs continue to suffer from a huge injury toll, but the presence of Williams will make the team more optimistic about possibly getting a win out of this game.

The Roosters beat the Eels before Origin I, but were thrashed by the Sea Eagles before Origin II. Their coach, Brad Fittler, has faith in his young players coming in, but it will be a big challenge for them since the team does not have Anasta and Pearce to direct them around. Still, the Roosters are in with a good shot. The lack of established playmakers in both sides means this is likely to be a low-scoring, close game.

LATE MAIL
The Roosters and the Bulldogs are both expected to be as named for their clash at the SFS tonight.
Glenn Jackson

ROOSTERS: Amos Roberts, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Mitchell Aubusson, Sia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Setaimata Sa, James Aubusson, Mark O'Meley (capt), Jake Friend, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Lopini Paea, Sean Rudder, Riley Brown. Interchange: David Shillington, Mickey Paea, Anthony Cherrington, Brent Grose, Shaun Foley (one to be omitted).

BULLDOGS: Nick Youngquest, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Tim Winitana, Heka Nanai, Arana Taumata, Ben Roberts, Jarrad Hickey, Corey Hughes, Fred Briggs, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan, Reni Maitua. Interchange: Lee Te Maari, Danny Williams, Brad Morrin, Michael Sullivan.