Game of the Week: Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights

Guess who’s back? No we’re not talking about Hanson, you’ll have to wait till September for that. We speak, of course, of Willie Mason. After a two year sabbatical from the NRL, Big Willie is back in Sydney and should be up for a huge one as his new side, the Newcastle Knights, take on the Sydney Roosters at the SFS at 3pm this Sunday.

Pre-gaming?
Check out the new Forresters! The killer bistro at this Sinatra-style joint is the perfect way to get your Sunday rolling. There’s spaghetti with red sauce for $7, the Pay Day Pizza (complete with lobster and truffle, truly) for $50 and everything in between.

Who to watch
Whether Mason can still tear it up like he used to remains to be seen, but few would question the ability of supercoach Wayne Bennett to get players back to top form. And keep and eye on the clash of the centres as Roosters enforcer Shaun Kenny Dowall takes on the unpredictable Timana Tahu.

The Form
The Roosters were painfully unlucky in their ANZAC day clash with the Dragons, but deflated spirits aside, should be able to hold out the injury-ravaged Knights. Roosters by 4.

Did you know?
Upon taking the reins of the Roosters at the end of 2009, current coach Brian Smith dumped Mason after some poor performances on and off the field.

Celebrate/Commiserate
Pack a loose fitting beanie and kick it over to Bondi for a Sunday session. Whether it’s the swanky, hipster or even backpacker scene you’re after, it’s all on tap in Roosters heartland.

Best of the rest of the codes
Hot off their surprise victory over Hawthorn last week, the Swans might just be the dark horse of the 2012 AFL. Expect our boys to make a statement against the shaky Adeleide Crows. SCG 7.40pm