Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 19 clash between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Sydney Roosters
Venue: Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Date: Saturday 12 July, 5:30pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Tyrell Sloan, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Valentine Holmes, 5. Sione Finau, 6. Lyhkan King-Togia, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Emre Guler, 9. Damien Cook, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack De Belin, 14. Jacob Liddle, 15. Hamish Stewart, 16. Blake Lawrie, 17. Michael Molo, 18. Corey Allan, 19. Loko Pasifiki Tonga, 20. Lachlan Ilias, 21. Viliami Fifita, 22. Nick Tsougranis
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Hugo Savala, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Naufahu Whyte, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Salesi Foketi, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Blake Steep, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. Spencer Leniu, 18. Ethan King, 19. Taylor Losalu, 20. Sandon Smith, 21. Benaiah Ioelu, 22. Max McCathie, 23. Tom Rodwell, 24. Makahesi Makatoa
Referee: Grant Atkins
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The second game of Super Saturday for Round 19 kicks off at Jubilee Stadium as the Dragons host the Roosters. The Dragons are coming off a 28-24 loss to the Raiders in Canberra, while the Roosters went down to the Tigers 30-28 at Allianz Stadium. When these sides met on Anzac Day earlier this year, the Roosters recorded a thumping 46-18 win.
For the Dragons, Valentine Holmes is named to backup from Origin on a three-day turnaround. His return moves Corey Allan to 18th Man. Luciano Leilua returns in the second row, with Michael Molo moving to the bench, and Loko Pasifiki Tonga to the reserves. Hamish Stewart returns from a concussion on the bench, with Viliami Fifita dropping out of the 17.
After being put to the sword by the Raiders, the Dragons found some momentum late in the game to make it a tight finish in Canberra. They’ll be looking to keep that momentum rolling against the Roosters, who will be searching for a bounce back. Crippled by injury in their forwards, the return of Luciano Leilua and Hamish Stewart should add some much needed stability. They return to Jubilee Stadium this week, where earlier this year they pulled off an unlikely upset win over the Storm. Expect a strong showing from them as they fight to keep in touch with the top eight. Their recent home form has been good too – they’ve won four of their past five games across all their home venues.
For the Roosters, Sam Walker is named to return from a lengthy injury lay-off at halfback. Hugo Savala moves to five-eighth, with Sandon Smith dropping out of the 17. The Origin contingent of Rob Toia, Lindsay Collins, Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, and Spencer Leniu are all named to backup on a three-day turnaround. Billy Smith returns at centre to replace Ethan King. Victor Radley returns from a concussion at lock, which moves Blake Steep back to the bench.
The Roosters have been looking forward to the return of Walker all season. Coinciding with the return of their Origin stars, their line-up looks almost unrecognisable from the one that lost to the Tigers last week. A big watch will be how Walker re-integrates with the spine. He’s missed a lot of time, so it may take him a game or two to get his match fitness back. There’s no doubt the Dragons will want to test him defensively. Savala has played well in his absence and now shifts to five-eighth, a position he hasn’t played a lot of in first grade. Despite this, there are enough skill players in the side to indicate their attack will be difficult to stop. The recent head-to-head record leans heavily in favour of the Roosters – they’ve won 12 of the past 14 clashes between these sides across all venues.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Roosters by 6 points.
Check out our round 19 predictions here.
What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below.
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