The third-placed Sydney Roosters will host the fourth-placed Dolphins at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening in a top-four-shaping clash. 

The Dolphins continued their strong attacking form with a 34-16 win over the Eels last Friday, keeping them inside the top four with two matches remaining in the home-and-away season. 

Meanwhile, the Roosters surrendered top spot with a 25-24 upset loss to the Tigers on Sunday, ending their eight-match winning streak and dropping them to third in a tight race for a home qualifying final. 

James Tedesco has again been named for the Roosters but could be a late withdrawal after dropping out in each of the past three weeks. 

Victor Radley drops out with a head knock, while Taylor Losalu joins the extended interchange. The Dolphins have named the same squad that beat Parramatta. 

The Dolphins demolished the Roosters 48-10 at Suncorp Stadium a few months back, but it will be a tall ask to run it back on the road here. Can they do it?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this top four clash, check out our Roosters vs Dolphins tips and predictions below!

Roosters vs Dolphins Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Roosters must regroup in NRL Round 26 after being on the receiving end of the upset of the season last start. 

That Tigers ambush, combined with the Warriors' win, means they now trail New Zealand on points differential despite having the same 38 points. A response is needed ASAP. 

Elsewhere, The Dolphins sit 4th and have been one of the form teams of the competition, adding another win to their streak when they beat the Eels 34-16 last round. 

This matchup has genuine finals-preview energy, with both clubs in the top four and playing some of the most dynamic football in the competition.

This is the game of the round no doubt, and we expect the Roosters to come out with intensity after last week's heartbreak, but don’t expect the Dolphins to roll over easily. 

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Billy Smith has scored the first try in two of the Roosters last three games and has also scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

When this many stats are in a particular player's favour, we simply have to side with them. That’s why Smith is our selection for first try scorer here. 

Betting tip: Billy Smith. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Sydney's last seven home matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 47.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The away team has covered the line in each of Sydney’s last four matches. 

Betting tip: Dolphins (+5.5) line. 

Roosters vs Dolphins Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Herbie Farnworth

Herbie Farnworth has scored a try in each of his last 10 appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top four.

Selwyn Cobbo

Selwyn Cobbo has scored at least one try in each of the Dolphins' last four matches.

Hugo Savala

Hugo Savala has scored a try in each of Sydney's last three home matches against opponents from Queensland.

Robert Toia

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

Roosters vs Dolphins 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. Lindsay Collins

11. Salesi Foketi

12. Siua Wong

13. Nat Butcher

14. Connor Watson 

15. Spencer Leniu

16. Egan Butcher

17. Taylor Losalu

18. Cody Ramsay

19. Tommy Talau

The Dolphins Team List 

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jack Bostock

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Kodi Nokirima

7. Isaiya Katoa (c)

8. Tom Flegler

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Tom Gilbert

11. Max Plath

12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

13. Morgan Knowles

14. Ray Stone

15. Francis Molo

16. Felise Kaufusi

17. Brian Pouniu

18. Brad Schneider

19. Jake Averillo

Roosters vs Dolphins Match Details 

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST. 

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.