Roosters V Dragons
FRIDAY, APRIL 25th, 2025 ALLIANZ STADIUM SYDNEY
Roosters and Dragons Set for Another Thrilling ANZAC Day Clash
The annual ANZAC Day clash between the Roosters and Dragons promises another thrilling contest. While neither team has had the season they hoped for, a win here could be crucial in their push for a top-eight spot or to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon. Clint Gutherson has been the standout for the Dragons and will need to continue his excellent form to give them a chance. He’ll be up against James Tedesco, who’ll surely be fired up to lead the Roosters to victory.
The Roosters will be without Nat Butcher due to a knee injury, with Spencer Leniu starting in the front row. Billy Smith and Angus Crichton return from suspension, and Mark Nawaqanitawase shifts to the wing, pushing Dom Young out of the side. Salesi Foketi moves to the bench, while Egan Butcher makes his long-awaited return to the squad after almost a year on the sidelines.
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 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Chad Townsend 21. Dominic Young 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Out: Nat Butcher (front row)
In: Billy Smith (centre), Angus Crichton (second row), Egan Butcher (bench), Ethan King (reserve), Chad Townsend (reserve), Makahesi Makatoa (reserve)
Changes: Mark Nawaqanitawase (centre to wing), Dominic Young (wing to reserve), Victor Radley (second row to lock), Salesi Foketi (lock to bench), Spencer Leniu (bench to front row), Taylor Losalu (bench to reserve)
Sloan Stars as Dragons Hold On for Narrow Win Over Sea Eagles
The Dragons managed to hold on for a narrow 20-18 win over the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park last Thursday. It was the Dragons who struck first, with winger Tyrell Sloan scoring after a beautiful pass from Clint Gutherson. A penalty goal from Valentine Holmes saw them head into halftime with an 8-nil lead.
In the second half, Sloan picked up a loose ball to score his second try, extending the Dragons’ lead. The Sea Eagles quickly responded with two tries and a penalty goal, leveling the scores at 14-all. The game remained tight until replacement hooker Jacob Liddle broke the deadlock, putting the Dragons ahead by six points. The Sea Eagles fought back, with Jason Saab crossing off a Daly Cherry-Evans kick, but Reuben Garrick’s missed sideline conversion left the Sea Eagles trailing. The Dragons held on to secure the win.
Dragons, 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
Out: Mathew Feagai (wing), Hamish Stewart (bench)
In: Emre Guler (bench), Lyhkan King-Togia (reserve), Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga (reserve), Finau Latu (reserve), Corey Allan (reserve), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (reserve)
Changes: Dylan Egan (second row to bench), Luciano Leilua (bench to second row), Sione Finau (bench to wing)
Referee: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Dave Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Grant Atkins
Key stats
- The Roosters have won 11 of their past 13 games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won only one of their past five Anzac Day clashes against the Roosters.
- Roosters captain James Tedesco has scored seven tries in his last five games against the Dragons.
- Dragons forward Blake Lawrie will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Warriors v Knights
APOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM CHRISTCHURCH NZ
Warriors Eye Back-to-Back Wins as They Host Knights in Anzac Day Battle
Round 8 kicks off on Friday night with an exciting Anzac Day clash between the Warriors and Knights in Christchurch. The Warriors will be brimming with confidence after a thrilling 20-18 Golden Point win over the Broncos last week, while the Knights are looking to bounce back from a 34-14 loss to the Sharks.
For the Warriors, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns at fullback after recovering from concussion, while Taine Tuaupiki moves to the wing and Ed Kosi drops to reserves. Rocco Berry also returns, taking his place at centre, which shifts Kurt Capewell to the second row and Leka Halasima to the bench. Te Maire Martin drops out of the 17 and is named 18th Man.
Emotions will run high for the Warriors as they honor Anzac Day in Christchurch, and they’ll be determined to put on a strong performance. Last week’s win against the Broncos showed their resilience, with Luke Metcalf’s game-winning penalty goal from halfway proving pivotal. Metcalf has been a key figure for the Warriors this season, and with Nicoll-Klokstad back in action, the team will look to continue their solid form. The Warriors have also won six of their last eight games in Christchurch, adding to the belief that they can get the job done.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Rocco Berry 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Jackson Ford , 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark , 14. Leka Halasima 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jacob Laban 18. Te Maire Martin 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Tanner Stowers-Smith 22. Samuel Healey 23. Edward Kosi
In: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (fullback), Rocco Berry (centre), Tanah Boyd (reserve), Tanner Stowers-Smith (reserve), Samuel Healey (reserve)
Changes: Taine Tuaupiki (fullback to wing), Edward Kosi (wing to reserve), Kurt Capewell (centre to second row), Selumiela Halasima (second row to bench), Te Maire Martin (bench to reserve)
Knights Need to Lift Against Warriors After Struggling Attack
It was another disappointing defeat for the Knights last week as they suffered a heavy loss at home. If they are to stand a chance against a strong Warriors side this week, they’ll need to lift their game significantly. The Knights’ attack has been a major concern recently, scoring only 24 points across their past four matches combined. The return of Lucas could provide the spark they need, bringing some much-needed X-factor to the left edge. With the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, and Greg Marzhew on the left side, the Knights will need to focus on getting the ball to their strike weapons. However, the Knights have struggled in New Zealand, managing just two wins in their last 17 games across the Tasman.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best , 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Tyson Frizell , 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul , 13. Mathew Croker 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Tyrone Thompson 16. Thomas Cant, 17. Brodie Jones 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Paul Bryan 20. Jack Cogger, 21. Matthew Arthur 22. Logan Aoake
Out: Jermaine McEwen (bench)
In: Dylan Lucas (second row), Kyle McCarthy (reserve), Paul Bryan (reserve), Jack Cogger (reserve), Matthew Arthur (reserve), Logan Aoake (reserve)
Changes: Thomas Cant (second row to bench)
Referee: Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judge: Phil Henderson, Bunker, Kasey Badger
Key Stats
- The Warriors have won four of their past six games in Christchurch.
- The Knights have won only two of their last 17 games played in New Zealand.
- Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf and rookie Leka Halasima have scored tries in three consecutive games.
- The Knights have been outscored 100-24 in their past four games.
- Warriors centre Adam Pompey has scored six tries in eight games against the Knights.
Storm v Rabbits
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Bennett and Bellamy’s Anzac Day Duel: The Student Faces the Master
Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs will face off against Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm in an intriguing Anzac Day clash. The match will see the two coaching giants go head-to-head, with Bennett, the master, taking on his former apprentice. Bellamy, who played under Bennett in Canberra and began his coaching career under his guidance, has since carved out his own legacy with an incredible 23-year run as Melbourne’s head coach. A full-house is expected at AAMI Park, adding to the occasion’s intensity.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Kane Bradley 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney , 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Joe Chan 17. Lazarus Vaalepu, 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Sualauvi Faalogo 20. Keagan Russell-Smith , 21. Coby Williamson 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Out: Jack Howarth (centre), Tui Kamikamica (bench)
In: Nick Meaney (centre), Lazarus Vaalepu (bench), Ativalu Lisati (reserve), Sualauvi Fa’alogo (reserve), Keagan Russell-Smith (reserve), Coby Williamson (reserve), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (reserve)
Rabbitohs Seek First Victory in Melbourne as Storm Loom
South Sydney will be aiming to break a 19-match losing streak in Melbourne as they face the Storm for the 20th time in the Victorian capital. The Rabbitohs are also looking to bounce back from a tough 32-0 loss to the Bulldogs on Good Friday, hoping for a stronger performance to get their season back on track.
Rabbits
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 3. Jack Wighton , 4. Campbell Graham 5. Isaiah Tass 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Sean Keppie, 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Euan Aitken , 13. Jai Arrow 14. Jye Gray 15. Siliva Havili 16. Davvy Moale 17. Tallis Duncan , 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Salesi Ataata 22. Declan Casey
Out: Lachlan Hubner (lock)
In: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (wing), Jayden Sullivan (halfback), Liam Le Blanc (reserve), Thomas Fletcher (reserve), Salesi Ataata (reserve), Declan Casey (reserve)
Changes: Jye Gray (fullback to bench), Campbell Graham (wing to centre), Euan Aitken (centre to second row), Latrell Mitchell (five-eighth to fullback), Cody Walker (halfback to five-eighth), Jai Arrow (second row to lock), Lewis Dodd (bench to reserve)
Referee: Peter Gough, Touch Judge: Matt Noyen, Bunker, Adam Gee.
Key Stats
The Storm have won all 19 games against the Rabbitohs in Melbourne.
Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham has scored six tries in his last seven games against the Storm.
The Storm have scored 128 points in three games at AAMI Park this season.
A Wayne Bennett-coached team has not defeated the Storm since 2016.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 34 tries in 30 games at AAMI Park.
Saturday’s Showdowns Start Here!
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