Sydney Roosters vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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Will the resurgence of the St George Illawarra Dragons continue against old rival?
Start date/time: Friday 25th April, 2025: UK – 7:00am / Local – 4:00pm / US ET – 2:00am / Thursday 24th April, US PT – 11:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Sydney Roosters team news
Head Coach Trent Robinson has amended the side who were disappointing against the Panthers. Billy Smith returns from suspension and will start at centre. A huge backline adjustment follows; Dom Young misses out altogether with the inclusion of rugby recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase on the wing. Young, alongside rising star Robert Toia have been unable to defend their right edge effectively, with rivals often targeting that side. Nat Butcher is out due to a knee injury, with Spencer Leniu joining the starting side. Angus Crichton only misses one week with a groin injury and comes straight back into the starting side, replacing Salesi Foketi who moves to the bench alongside Egan Butcher.
Squad: 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 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Chad Townsend 21. Dominic Young 22. Makahesi Makatoa
St. George Illawarra Dragons team news
One long term change for Shane Flanagan with Mat Feagai suffering a broken leg after a nasty tackle in Round 7. Sione Finau replaces Feagai on the wing who is expected to miss 8-10 weeks. Emre Guler slots onto the bench in place of Hamish Stewart, who was stood down under the NRL’s concussion protocols.
Squad: 1. Clinton 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 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Finau Latu 21. Corey Allan 22. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Sydney Roosters vs St. George Illawarra Dragons prediction
The Roosters felt the full force of a Panther side that was fiercely determined after five successive losses, and they succumbed to the tune of 40 points to 12. They will be looking for a bounce back effort in what has already been an inconsistent season ravaged by injury: two wins against four losses, sees them languishing in 16th position on the ladder.
The Dragons were impressive at times against Manly: leading early before allowing the Sea Eagles to draw level at the midway point before pulling away late and then holding on against a determined home side. The Dragons were buoyed by Tyrell Sloan and his two try performance giving him four in the past fortnight.
The now traditional ANZAC Day clash has provided many a spectacle over the year, the balance of power often been with the Roosters, winning four of the last five April 25 matchups. Dating further back it is seven matches apiece so we can expect another coin flip in this one.
We like the Dragons to rise to the occasion on an important day that both teams have honoured superbly over the years.
Sydney Roosters vs St. George Illawarra Dragons tip: St George Illawarra Dragons to win