Off the back of a historic victory, the Sydney Roosters will host the red-hot Canterbury Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. 

The 82-12 demolition of the Cowboys last Thursday was the Roosters' second-highest score on record and extended their winning streak to six, keeping them in the hunt for the minor premiership. 

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will begin NRL Round 23 inside the top eight, having won six of their last seven matches, most recently defeating the Storm 36-22 last Friday. 

Lindsay Collins and Billy Smith return for the Roosters, while skipper James Tedesco is named to start despite sitting out the second half last week. Spencer Leniu starts at prop, while Tommy Talau and Nat Butcher have dropped to the bench. 

Sitili Tupouniua, Bronson Xerri and Jake Turpin are all named on the Bulldogs’ extended interchange. 

The Tricolours won 32-12 when these sides met around this time last season, can they run it back here? 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this Friday night fiesta, check out our Roosters vs Bulldogs tips and predictions below!

Roosters vs Bulldogs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Friday night footy continues with two of the comp’s most in form teams going head-to-head when the Roosters welcome the Bulldogs to Allianz Stadium.

After resembling just another ‘also-ran’ the Doggies have won three straight to force their way into the top 8 and put the other seven sides above them on notice.

One of those seven sides is the Sydney Roosters who made it six wins straight last week against the Cowboys.

Funnily enough, it wasn’t the fact that they had just won six straight that sent shockwaves through competition, it was the way they recorded victory number six.

If you’re a North Queensland fan, you can stop reading now. The Tricolours gave no quarter to their hosts last Thursday as they ran riot in Townsville towelling up the locals to the tune of 82 points. 

Sam Walker was the main architect of the Cowboys destruction, running in a hat-trick, laying on a handful more and kicking 12 goals.

He’s officially gone from exciting prospect to elite half and this week it’s the Bulldogs in his crosshairs. 

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

After showing their appetite for scoring tries at any point in a match last week, we almost have to pick a Rooster for the first try scorer here.

Strike centre Billy Smith has struggled with injuries his whole career and seems to more often than not be missing from the Roosters run on side. 

When he does play though, boy is he effective. Named to return this week, keep an eye on Smith who has scored at least one try in each of his last five appearances.

Betting tip: Billy Smith. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Eight of Sydney's last nine home matches against Canterbury have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (45.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Canterbury has failed to cover the line in each of its last eight away matches against teams ranked higher on the ladder.

Betting tip: Roosters (-8.5) line. 

Roosters vs Bulldogs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Jacob Preston

Jacob Preston has scored a try in four of his last five appearances with Canterbury as an underdog in Sydney.

Robert Toia

Robert Toia has scored a try in four of his last five appearances.

Jacob Kiraz

Jacob Kiraz has scored a try in each of his last five appearances against teams on a winning streak.

Daly Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances with his team as a favourite against Canterbury in Sydney.

Jethro Rinakama

Jethro Rinakama has scored at least one try in four of Canterbury's last five matches.

James Tedesco

James Tedesco has scored two or more tries in each of Sydney's last two matches.

Enari Tuala

Enari Tuala has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against Sydney in Sydney.

Roosters vs Bulldogs Teams 

Sydney Roosters Team List 

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Billy Smith

3. Hugo Savala

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte 

9. Reece Robson

10. Spencer Leniu

11. Salesi Foketi

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson 

15. Lindsay Collins

16. Nat Butcher

17. Egan Butcher

18. Cody Ramsay

19. Tommy Talau

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List 

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Matt Burton

4. Enari Tuala

5. Jethro Rinakama

6. Stephen Crichton (c)

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Leo Thompson

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston 

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Josh Curran

16. Harry Hayes

17. Sitili Tupouniua

18. Bronson Xerri

19. Jake Turpin

Roosters vs Bulldogs Match Details 

Date: Friday, August 7, 2026. 

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST. 

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.