Roosters v Sea Eagles preview - 2017 Round 5

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Twilight clash the real Friday main event

It's hard to fathom how the same Roosters outfit that struggled for so much of last season has started the year undefeated. Usually sides that manage a meager six wins across 24 regular season matches face an upheaval to contend for a title in such a short span of time, yet the Roosters are not only defying expectations but doing so with remarkable style. Displaying an attacking flair capable of demolishing sides, as well as a gritty determination to fight until the death for two competition points, coach Trent Robinson will be more than confident about his side's chance against the Sea Eagles, but equally wary of the threats posed by their fellow bird rivals. Boosting the sides chances of continuing their impressive start to 2017, captain Jake Friend has been named to return from injury, while Blake Ferguson and Kane Evans are also in contention as late inclusions.

Producing an emphatic victory over the Bulldogs last Saturday, the Sea Eagles rocketed back into the top eight for the first time since ANZAC Day last year. Running riot in attack with five tries heading into the break, coach Trent Barrett experienced the ecstasy of holding an opponent scoreless for the first time in his career, while the return of forwards Martin Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake ensured the side went on with the job to run out 36-0 victors. Facing their biggest test of the season, the Sea Eagles will be looking to gauge their standing among the competition heavyweights against the top of the table Roosters. In a side of good fortune, the Sea Eagles will field an identical side for the first time in over a year, with the only notable change coming from the return of Lloyd Perrett as part of an extended bench. Contrary to popular opinion, the Sea Eagles have triumphed over the Roosters three times since 2014, including wins at Allianz Stadium in the two most recent meetings at the venue.

Last meeting: Round 4 2016 - Roosters 20 Sea Eagles 22

Who to watch: Coming through the ranks as a ball playing five-eighth, Ryan Matterson's transition to the forwards has been seamless for the Roosters. Providing coach Trent Robinson with a utility capable of filling in throughout the backline, the former Parramatta lower grader has made a mark on the edge to begin 2017, drawing comparisons to a similar move made by Cronulla star Wade Graham. At just 22-years-old, Matterson looms as a long-term prospect from the Roosters with his willingness to adapt endearing him to supporters and teammates alike, while the skills learnt from his time in the halves should ensure his days outside the first grade side are over.

Considered to be the long-term playmaker for the Roosters just twelve months ago, Jackson Hastings experienced a tumultuous year heading into his move to Manly. Falling behind in the pecking order at Bondi, the 21-year-old halfback has been able to start over at the Sea Eagles and reaped the benefits with back-to-back wins. While his minutes may be limited under coach Trent Barrett, the form displayed early on in his career suggests Hastings has plenty to offer, as well as being a ready-made replacement should one of the established playmakers go down. Coming up against his former club for the first time, look for the young gun to come out firing and bring to an end the Roosters unbeaten start to the year.

The favourite: Sitting atop the premiership ladder courtesy of four consecutive wins to start 2017, the Roosters are expected to extend their winning run against Manly.

My tip: At some point the Roosters will have to suffer their first loss of 2017 and while the Sea Eagles should put up a spirited fight, the class of the home side should prove too strong. Roosters by 4.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 20. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra 14. Isaac Liu 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Connor Watson

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 15. Jackson Hastings 16. Nate Myles 17. Addin Fonua-blake

Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea;