Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 8 clash between the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Sydney Roosters Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Date: Friday, April 25, 4:00 pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Nat Butcher 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Chad Townsend 21. Dominic Young 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Emre Guler 17. Dylan Egan 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Finau Latu 21. Corey Allan 22. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Referee: Todd Smith
Bunker: Grant Atkins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
After beating the Broncos in round 6, the Roosters would have been confident of beating the Panthers for a second time. However, this time it wasn’t to be. The Roosters got off to a good start with winger Daniel Tupou scoring the first try after four minutes. The Panthers scored next to level it up at 6-all after a Paul Alamoti try. The Roosters had a chance to get in front when Dom Young ran into some space and kicked in-field, only for James Tedesco to fumble the ball. The Panthers would be the team to score before the half-time break, with Alamoti going in once again.
It was the second half where the Panthers kicked into gear, with Isiah Papali’i, Dylan Edwards, and Casey McLean all scoring tries. The Roosters managed only to score one try to centre Robert Toia. The 28-point win sent a warning to the rest of the competition that the Panthers are back.
The Roosters will be without Nat Butcher, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Spencer Leniu will start in the front row. Billy Smith and Angus Chrichton both return from one-match suspensions. Mark Nawaqanitawase moves from centre to wing, with Dom Young being forced out of the team. Salesi Foketi moves from the second row to the bench. Egan Butcher has been named on the bench: it will be his first game since round 12 last year.
The Dragons got away with a close one against the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park last Thursday. The Dragons were the first to score through winger Tyrell Sloan after a lovely over-the-top pass from Clint Gutherson. A penalty goal to Valentine Holmes saw the Dragons go into halftime with an 8-nil lead.
The Dragons would be the first to score in the second half, with Sloan picking up a loose ball to score his second try. The Sea Eagles scored the next two tries and kicked a penalty goal to level the scores at 14-all. Replacement hooker Jacob Liddle broke the deadlock for the Dragons to lead by six points. The Sea Eagles had a chance to level the game with Jason Saab scoring off a Daly Cherry-Evans kick in the corner. Unfortunately, Reuben Garrick could not convert from the sideline as the Dragons secured a 20-18 win.
The annual ANZAC Day game between these two sides never disappoints, and this year should be no exception. Although neither team is having the best season so far, securing a win will help them make the top eight or avoid the wooden spoon. Gutherson has been the Dragons’ shining light (and buy of the year). He will have to maintain that good form if they are to have a chance of winning this game. His opposite number, James Tedesco, will be sure to bring his A game, especially coming up against the ‘Gutherino.’
The Panthers provided the blueprint for stopping Roosters halfback Hugo Savala’s kicking game, and the Dragons will need to do the same; otherwise, like Reece Walsh, Gutherson will be taken out of the game, and it could be a possible loss for the Dragons.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Roosters by 4 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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