Sydney Rooster vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction – Round 8 2025

ANZAC Day kicks off with this traditional afternoon clash between the Sydney Roosters and St. George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters have an impressive recent record in this fixture, dominating both matchups against the Dragons last year including scoring 60 in this game 12 months ago.

That was then and this is now however and the Tri-colours have struggled so far this season, entering this clash sitting in 16th place with a 2-5 record.

Meanwhile, the Dragons have found some form and strung together consecutive wins for the first time this season to move into the top eight.

On the team front, the Dragons wing stocks are being tested after Mathew Feagai suffered a nasty leg injury last week and now joins Christian Tuipulotu on the sidelines for an extended period.

Sione Finau is the next man up on the flank, while there are multiple changes for the Chooks.

Egan Butcher becomes the feel-good story of ANZAC Round, returning after almost 12 months out, while Billy Smith and Angus Crichton are back in the starting 13 with last year’s leading try-scorer Dom Young omitted.

Let’s take a look at how these two teams will line up on ANZAC Day Friday with some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Roosters vs Dragons prediction.

 

Roosters vs Dragons Teams

 

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Sandon Smith

7. Hugo Savala

8. Spencer Leniu

9. Connor Watson

10. Naufahu Whyte

11. Angus Crichton

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Zach Dockar-Clay

15. Salesi Foketi

16. Blake Steep

17. Egan Butcher

 

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Tyrell Sloan

3. Moses Suli

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Sione Finau

6. Kyle Flanagan

7. Lachlan Ilias

8. Toby Couchman

9. Damien Cook

10. David Klemmer

11. Luciano Leilua

12. Jaydn Su'A

13. Jack de Belin

14. Jacob Liddle

15. Blake Lawrie

16. Emre Guler

17. Dylan Egan

Roosters vs Dragons Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Regardless of who is on the team sheet or where these two are on the ladder, this game always delivers. It also makes tipping it a rather daunting task.

The Roosters came crashing back down to earth last week, backing up their famous upset win over Brisbane at Lang Park by conceding 40 to struggling Penrith.

The Dragons on the other hand made it back-to-back wins by pipping Manly at 4 Pines Park in a gutsy and controlled display.

That showing was enough for us to take St George here in what should be a close fought thriller.

For our tip to come to fruition, the Dragons will have to beat recent history, as the Chooks have won their last nine home games against them.

However, if there was ever a season to throw form and history out of the window, it’s this one.

Betting tip: St George Illawarra Dragons.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

On momentous occasions such as ANZAC Day it is often the main men and the captains that stand up and be counted.

That line of thinking helps us narrow our search for an opening try scorer down to two men – James Tedesco and Clint Gutherson.

Both fullbacks, both captains, both with form that suggests they could the man to cross the stripe first in this one.

James Tedesco has scored at least one try in each of his last five matches against St. George, while Gutho has scored at least one try in each of his last five away appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Take your pick, we’re going Gutho as it’ll be his first time playing in this fixture and should be keen to make his mark early.

Betting tip: Clint Gutherson.

 

Over/Under Prediction

As we mentioned earlier, this game always delivers. Particularly on the points front. 

Each of the last five matches between Sydney and St. George Illawarra have gone over the total match points line. We expect nothing less this time around too.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Roosters vs Dragons Match Details

 

Date: Friday, April 25, 2025.

Kick-off: 4:00 pm AEST.

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.