The traditional ANZAC Day clash between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters takes on extra significance in Round 8.

The Red V will be entering this game under new interim coach Dean Young after the club parted with Shane Flanagan.

The Dragons sit comfortably last on the ladder with the worst attack and one of the worst defences in the competition.

With four wins out of their last five games and sitting fifth on the ladder, Trent Robinson will want his side to fix their slow starts, which have become a worrying trend, particularly in their last two games.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this match, check out our Dragons vs Roosters tips and predictions below.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Young has wasted no time funnily enough on injecting youth into this side. Get it? 

Kade Reed will make his debut in the halfback spot, taking the place of the dropped Kyle Flanagan, while Ryan Couchman returns from suspension to fill in for the three-game banned Jaydn Su’A.

The Roosters have won their last two games with 2nd half comebacks and conceding zero points in those periods.

The tri-colours are expected to claim a comfortable victory, though the fired-up Dragons are playing for pride and their now coach on the most storied day of the season.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Daniel Tupou has scored at least one try in each of the Roosters’ last seven matches at Allianz Stadium against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

The Dragons when they played the Rabbitohs leaked four tries on their right edge defence, and the Roosters have shown they can create opportunities to put a kick over the top to find Tupou for a try.

Betting tip: Daniel Tupou.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the last seven matches between St. George Illawarra and Sydney have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (52.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

The Dragons have failed to cover the line in each of its last seven matches against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Betting tip: Roosters (-16.5) line.

Dragons vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Tyrell Sloan

Tyrell Sloan has scored a try in each of St. George Illawarra's last two matches against Sydney.

Mathew Feagai

In three of the Dragons’ last four matches at Allianz Stadium, its starting left wing has scored at least one try.

James Tedesco

James Tedesco has scored at least one try in six of the Roosters’ last seven matches against the Dragons.

Sam Walker

Sam Walker has scored a try in each of the Roosters’ last two matches.

Dragons vs Roosters Teams

St George Illawarra Dragons Team List

1. Tyrell Sloan 

2. Setu Tu

3. Moses Suli

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Mathew Feagai

6. Daniel Atkinson

7. Kade Reed

8. Emre Guler

9. Damien Cook (c)

10. Toby Couchman

11. Luciano Leilua

12. Ryan Couchman 

13. Hamish Stewart

14. Josh Kerr

15. Loko Jnr Pasikifi Tonga

16. Blake Lawrie

17. Jacob Halangahu

18. Kyle Flanagan

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Hugo Savala

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Reece Robson

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson

15. Spencer Leniu

16. Nat Butcher

17. Salesi Foketi

18. Cody Ramsey

Dragons vs Roosters Match Details

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Kick-off: 4:00pm AEST.

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.