St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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A classic NRL rivalry is renewed as the Sydney Roosters look to bounce back from a shock loss and solidify their finals credentials against a St George Illawarra side fighting to keep their season alive.
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How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
St. George Illawarra Dragons team news
Maroons star Val Holmes has been named to back up from Origin III, with Corey Allan shifting to 18th man. Luciano Leilua (quad) and Hamish Stewart (concussion) return from injury, with Michael Molo shifting to the bench and Viliami Fifita and Loko Pasifiki Tonga dropping out.
Squad: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Michael Molo 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Viliami Fifita 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
Sydney Roosters team news
Halfback Sam Walker makes his long-awaited return to the NRL after a thumb injury delayed his comeback after he had recovered from an ACL injury, with Hugo Savala shifting to five-eighth and Sandon Smith dropping to the reserves. Elsewhere, Centre Billy Smith (knee) and lock Victor Radley (concussion) return to boost the pack. Origin reps Robert Toia, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton and Spencer Leniu have all been named to back up following the decider.
Squad: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Max McCathie 23. Tom Rodwell 24. Makahesi Makatoa
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters prediction
The St George Illawarra Dragons (11th) are struggling for consistency, having lost three of their last four games. They went down in a spirited 28-24 contest to the Canberra Raiders in Round 18.
The Sydney Roosters (9th, 7W-8L) are coming off a stunning 30-28 upset loss to the Wests Tigers in Round 18. Despite the defeat, their recent form has been solid, winning three out of five as they push for a top eight spot.
Veteran Dragons hooker Damien Cook has led the defensive line with tireless effort, making 593 tackles for the season. His Roosters mate and custodian, James Tedesco has scored nine tries in six games against the Dragons.
The Roosters have dominated this fixture in recent times, winning twelve out of fourteen, including the last four straight matches against the Dragons.
Stung by last week's upset, the Roosters will be on a mission to make a statement. The return of their chief playmaker Sam Walker could be the difference against a Dragons side that has battled to find consistency.
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters tip: Sydney Roosters to win
