Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers Prediction – Round 18 2025

Despite a number of key departures and unfortunate injuries, the Roosters are once again crowing in the NRL.

A perennial powerhouse tipped to finally struggle as they rebuild their roster, it appears everyone, but the Chooks got that memo.

After a strong run of recent form, the Tri-colours are up to sixth and will be hoping to take another step towards an unlikely top four berth here.

The form guide suggests they could very well continue making tracks towards the upper reaches of the ladder here. Why? Well, get ready for one of the most lopsided stats in recent Rugby League history. The Sydney Roosters have won 18 of its last 19 matches against the Wests Tigers. Yikes.

Can the Wests defy form, history and the odds to roll the Roosters? Or will the Chooks make it 19 out of their last 20 against the Tigers?

Here’s how both sides will line up for this one, as well as betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer, and over/under markets. This is our Roosters vs Tigers prediction.

 

Roosters vs Tigers Teams

 

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Mark Nawaqanitawase

5. Tom Rodwell 

6. Sandon Smith

7. Hugo Savala

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Benaiah Ioelu

10. Makahesi Makatoa

11. Egan Butcher

12. Salesi Foketi

13. Blake Steep

14. Zach Dockar-Clay

15. Max McCathie

16. Taylor Losalu

17. De La Salle Va'a

 

Wests Tigers Team List

1. Sunia Turuva

2. Charlie Staines

3. Luke Laulilii

4. Starford To'a

5. Jeral Skelton 

6. Adam Doueihi

7. Latu Fainu

8. Terrell May

9. Tristan Hope

10. Fonua Pole

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Jack Bird

13. Alex Twal

14. Charlie Murray 

15. Alex Seyfarth

16. Sione Fainu

17. Tony Sukkar

Roosters vs Tigers Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Not only are the Roosters coming off a bye, but they have the luxury of having their best and most in form player, James Tedesco, untouched by Origin commitments.

Tedesco has been one of the form players of the competition in 2025 and certainly had a case for reclaiming his NSW No.1 jersey from Dylan Edwards.

It wasn’t meant to be, and NSW loss is certainly the Roosters gain. We’re backing Teddy to lead his chargers to a commanding victory over a Tigers side who not only continue to struggle but will be without marquee man Jarome Luai.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

Teddy and the Tigers, once a match made in heaven, their respective trajectories can’t have been more different since they parted ways.

Tedesco has gone on to win everything in every arena, claiming nearly every possible personal accolade in the process.

For Wests their fortunes only went in one direction – south. They have failed to qualify the finals even once in that time and to make matters worse, have collected a plethora of wooden spoons in the process.

We don’t think it’s about to get much better either, as we’re tipping Teddy to twist the knife once more against his old boys with an early four-pointer here.

Betting tip: James Tedesco.

 

Over/Under Prediction

Five of Sydney's last six home matches have gone over the total match points line and this one seems like another prime candidate to do that again.

The poor old Tigers aren’t exactly defensive masterminds, so we’re expecting them to ship more than a few.

They do pack a punch of their own however and some of their exciting attacking weapons such as Api Koroisau and Sunia Turuva should be able to ensure they keep the scoreboard ticking over on their end too.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Roosters vs Tigers Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST.

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.