Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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The NRL's oldest rivalry continues as the Sydney Roosters host the South Sydney Rabbitohs. For the Roosters, the equation is simple: win, and they play finals football.
Start date/time:
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
Sydney Roosters team news
Sandon Smith drops to the extended bench with Sam Walker returning from a head knock in the only change to the Roosters side that bested the Storm last round.
Squad: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Egan Butcher 16. Blake Steep 17. Siua Wong 18. Ethan King 19. Salesi Foketi 20. Sandon Smith 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Makahesi Makatoa
South Sydney Rabbitohs team news
Cameron Murray has been named on the bench for his first NRL appearance of the season, having suffered an Achilles rupture during the 2025 pre-season. Jack Wighton also slots into the centres after serving his suspension. His return reshuffles the backline and forward pack with Tallis Duncan moving to the back row and Jacob Host to the bench. Cody Walker has once again been named on the bench alongside Brandon Smith, while Latrell Mitchell hasn’t been named due to a back injury.
Squad: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Tallis Duncan 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Brandon Smith 15. Jacob Host 16. Cody Walker 17. Cameron Murray 18. Euan Aitken 19. Peter Mamouzelos 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 22. Lewis Dodd
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction
The Sydney Roosters (8th) are surging at the right time, winning four of their last five games, including a 40-10 demolition of the Melbourne Storm in Round 26.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs (13th) have found late form, entering this derby on a three-match winning streak and embracing the role of spoilers.
Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is the NRL's leading try-scorer in 2025 with 20 tries. Rabbitohs counterpart Alex Johnston has scored 15 tries in just 15 appearances this season.
The Roosters have scored 146 points in their last four games. The Rabbitohs have won only one of their past five games against the Roosters. Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored 11 tries in his last eight games.
In the NRL era, the Roosters have won 33 of 53 clashes. However, the Rabbitohs claimed a 20-14 victory in Round 5 this season, giving them a six-point advantage in the annual Ron Coote Cup
This will be a classic, brutal derby. The Roosters have everything to play for and are in red-hot form, while the Rabbitohs have nothing to lose and welcome back two superstars. Expect the Roosters' superior recent form and finals motivation to get them home... just
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs tip: Sydney Roosters to win
