Matchday Details
Friday, August 15 – 8pm (AEST) – Allianz Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Name | Bunker: Name
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. Egan Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Junior Tupou
Bulldogs
1. Jacob Kiraz 2. ethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerii 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Reed Mahoney 19. Jake Turpin 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Connor Tracey 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
Match Preview
Friday night spotlights a contrasting heavyweight clash at Allianz Stadium, where the Sydney Roosters host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in a game that could shape the late-season race.
The Roosters arrive buoyant after back-to-back statement wins and their attack humming — piling on points in recent rounds (including 64 against The Dolphins last weekend) and looking potent through their edge runners and spine combinations.
Sam Walker’s return from an ACL and the form of Dally M favourite James Tedesco have been electric.
By contrast, Canterbury’s season has been built on a defensive template that is the benchmark of the competition. Under Cameron Ciraldo the Bulldogs have forged a compact, disciplined line that concedes little and forces opponents into low-percentage plays: that defensive bodywork has been repeatedly hailed as the reason for their climb up the ladder. Their ability to shut down middle yardage and control ruck speed will make the Roosters work for every point.
The addition of Lachlan Galvin at halfback has certainly added something to their attack, as was evident in sole big recent scores against the Sea Eagles (42) and the Warriors (32).
The ladders tell the story: Canterbury sit comfortably inside the top four while the Roosters are fighting to climb back into the top eight, meaning this match carries different pressures: consolidation for the Bulldogs, momentum-chasing for the Roosters. Expect a physical first half where field position and error count decide momentum.
Tactically, the Roosters will aim to stretch the Bulldogs’ edges and use quick play-the-balls to exploit overlap opportunities; Canterbury will resist by compressing the middle and targeting defensive resets.
If the Roosters keep their attacking tempo and accuracy they can outscore most teams, but if the Bulldogs’ defence holds together and forces errors the Roosters’ attacking flair could be blunted.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Bulldogs by 6.
See our full Round 24 Predictions (live Wednesday 12pm) here: 2025 NRL Tipping: Round 24 Writer Predictions
Have your say: Who wins? Drop your tip in the comments or vote in our poll.
Related Links
- Round 24 Late Mail
- 2025 NRL Round 23 Injury List
