Why Monday night’s blockbuster clash with Roosters and Dragons makes no sense

The Roosters’ match with the Dragons — continuing the long rivalry between the clubs — will be one of the games of the season but why is it on Monday night?

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 13: Brendan Elliot of the Roosters scores a try during the round 14 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium on June 13, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

This could be one of the games of the season, but you wouldn’t know it. The NRL has made yet another quality decision when it comes to the scheduling of matches.

This was the perfect chance to spend weekend time with the family in the morning, then head to the footy in the afternoon to watch the tricolours carve up the Dragons. It doesn’t get much better really.

Unfortunately, we now have to fight with traffic and the stress of a day’s work, and be at the ground by 7pm Monday. Two contrasting scenarios if ever I saw one.

With other codes pressing hard within the Sydney ­market, this match is the perfect opportunity to get fans onside.

Let’s face it, not many of us enjoy attending Monday night games. Is the game solely run on what is best for television viewing? What about thinking of the best interests of the game itself?

The Roosters and Dragons have built up a strong rivalry over the past two decades.

Flashback to 1975 with Roosters captain Arthur Beetson and Dragon legend Graeme Langlands after the grand final at the SCG.

There have been many memorable and closely fought matches, most of them played in packed ­stadiums.

Let’s hope the players on both sides are able to back up from the State of Origin. Fans from all clubs are sweating on their star players getting through this period unscathed. We have all seen how much each team has struggled without them.

It was good to see Bulldogs coach Des Hasler express his disgust at the scheduling of matches during the State of Origin period.

While I will never feel sorry for the Bulldogs, Has­ler has every right to be frustrated that his team is depleted during the season.

Some of the matches over the past month have been well below first grade standard. The other major codes would take plenty of delight in seeing our code shoot ­itself in the foot.

Meanwhile, the Roosters defeat of the NZ Warriors went a long way towards erasing the memories of their performance against the Sharks the previous week. With a host of quality players missing through representative duty and ­injury, the depleted Chooks did the colours proud.

Brendan Elliot scores one of the Roosters’ tries in their win over the New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images.

It was a gutsy performance which has lifted the spirits of the fans who were not so happy last week.

Another spirited performance will be required to knock off the Dragons.

Their defence has been the cornerstone of their success this year and our attack will be tested once again.

Easts to win.