Dragons v Roosters NRL tips, odds & predictions | Round 8, 2024

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters best bets

Dragons v Roosters NRL Round 8 preview

Round eight of the 2024 NRL Premiership continues this Thursday with the annual ANZAC Day clash between the high-flying St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

The Dragons have won three of their last four games, including back-to-back victories over the Warriors and Tigers. Meanwhile, the Roosters suffered a controversial loss to the Storm at Allianz Stadium last week having escaped Newcastle the week before with a two-point win.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has named English winger Dominic Young to return from suspension, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moving to the centres and Michael Jennings dropping back to the reserves. Sam Walker returns at halfback, pushing Luke Keary to five-eighth, Connor Watson back to the bench utility role, and Zach Dockar-Clay to the reserves.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has named an unchanged lineup following last week’s win over the Warriors. Jack Bird is listed in the reserves and could be a late inclusion to the starting side, which could push Christian Tuipulotu out of the starting side and Zac Lomax to the wing.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters predictions

The Roosters have won nine of their last 11 matches against the Dragons, who have failed to cover the line in 13 of their last 15 games. The last two matches between these sides on ANZAC Day were decided by two points or less, and four of Sydney’s last six outings have been decided by six points or less. Look for the Roosters’ winning trend to continue as they salute by 12 or less (+185).

On the last two occasions these clubs have clashed, Roosters captain James Tedesco has scored his team’s first try. Although he has not crossed for a four-pointer since round three of this year, the veteran fullback had a strong return to first-grade last week against the Storm, breaking six tackles in 176 running metres. Look for Tedesco to bounce back to his best and be the first tryscorer for the Roosters (+440).

Clear, dry weather is predicted for this match, which will assist both sides in playing attacking football. Four of the last five matches between these teams have been genuine shootouts, with over 60 points scored in one game alone. Expect another high-scoring affair with more than 43.5 points scored (-111.11).

Best bookmakers for NRL odds

1

Live Betting Odds

Bovada

Visit Bovada Review

Sports betting picks