Rugby League / James Cleary / 10 September 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

With grand final dreams still very much in mind, James Cleary believes that Sydney pride and a play-off semi-final berth will be at stake when the Tigers and the Roosters meet at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The Tigers, in the end-of-season format for the first time in five years when they won their only NRL crown courtesy of four wins on the spin, had already guaranteed a home play-off ahead of last week's 21-18 defeat to Gold Coast Titans, their first loss in a month.

Sydney Roosters, three-time runners-up and champions eight years ago, were in winning form last time out, defeating the Cowboys 18-8 despite a somewhat disjointed display. Last year's wooden spooners have also enjoyed a much-improved campaign.

However, they go into the game knowing defeat, and upset wins for either Raiders or Sea Eagles, would see them bow out at the first hurdle and thwart their grand final ambitions for another year.

Both sides had similar records during the regular season - the Tigers winning 15 and losing nine, while the Roosters' record was 14-10.

Despite this, Sydney boast a record of scoring more points than their opponents, and finished with a better points difference.

In short, this looks too close to call.

Incidentally, neither team were fancied to win the play-offs in a poll of the other six play-off skippers.

The home side can call upon the services of Wade McKinnon, second-rower Liam Fulton and forward Bryce Gibbs, all back from injury, as well as Geoff Daniela, who is on the bench.

Roosters trio Jake Friend, Mose Masoe and Anthony Minichiello are all set to return, having missed out last week.

Although the Roosters will be battling history - no team has won the NRL from outside the top four - they have beaten the Tigers twice already in 2010. They were 12-8 winners last time out in May, and prevailed 44-32 in week two. They also hold a 5-3 advantage over their opponents at this venue, and 10-7 overall.

The key to Tigers' success?

Shutting down the attacking threat of 20-try Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Dally M Medal winner Todd Carney and the in-form Mitchell Pearce - the Kiwi has crossed 12 times in his last seven games.

The home side will also be looking to Robbie Farah to front up, having enjoyed a big year for the Tigers. Having lost out to Carney for the award, he'll be keen to produce a big performance here. Benji Marshall was quiet last week for the Tigers, and having scored a hat-trick against Storm a fortnight ago, he'll be keen to repeat that feat.

As always, the Roosters will need to find a solution to their disciplinary problems given they have conceded the most penalties in defence by any side in NRL. Knowing there is potentially no second chance if they lose here, and with some big performances from their star men, could be enough to secure a famous triumph.

Money on the line, it's the Roosters who look the better bet, and they may yet make the grand final this year.