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Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons Friday 4:00pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

ANZAC Day means more than a game for Roosters, Dragons

One of the showpiece fixtures of the rugby league calendar will pit the Sydney Roosters against the St George Illawarra Dragons in the traditional ANZAC Day clash at Allianz Stadium.

Held annually since 2002 between two of the league's most esteemed clubs, the matchup between the Roosters and Dragons has become an ANZAC Day institution with in excess of 40,000 supporters regularly flocking to Moore Park to commemorate the occasion.

Languishing in 16th position with just two wins over the opening two months of the season, the Sydney Roosters will be hoping the sense of occasion inspires an improved showing on Friday afternoon.

Going down to the Panthers last Saturday in a performance that belied the 40-12 final scoreline, coach Trent Robinson has dropped English international Dominic Young from the backline with Billy Smith returning from suspension. Egan Butcher will make his first appearance in the top grade this season replacing his brother, Nat, while Angus Crichton returns from a groin injury.

The Roosters hold an imposing record against the Dragons under coach Robinson with 18 wins from 23 meetings, including seven wins from 11 ANZAC Day clashes during his tenure.

Sitting inside the top eight following back-to-back wins over the past fortnight, the St George Illawarra Dragons will be chasing their first ANZAC Day victory in three years.

Holding off the Sea Eagles in a 20-18 victory away from home last Thursday, coach Shane Flanagan will welcome back Emre Guler in place of Hamish Stewart, while Sione Finau will formally come onto the wing for Mat Feagai after being activated as 18th man last week.

Victory on Friday afternoon will see the Dragons post three straight wins for the first time under coach Flanagan - the last time the joint venture achieved the feat was in the final rounds of the 2022 season. 

The Roosters and Dragons have met 22 times on ANZAC Day since the inception of the fixture in 2002; the Dragons hold a slender overall advantage with 12 wins, while the Roosters recorded the biggest ANZAC Day win last year with a 60-18 rout.

The Ashton-Collier Spirit of ANZAC Medal was introduced in 2013 to formally recognise the player of the match. Past recipients include Boyd Cordner (twice), Jake Friend, Benji Marshall, Gareth Widdop, Mitchell Pearce, Tyson Frizell, Sam Walker (twice), Ben Hunt and Luke Keary,

Last meeting: Round 18 2024 - Roosters 42 Dragons 12

Who to watch: As many of his teammates line up for the biggest occasion of their first grade careers, the Roosters will be looking for James Tedesco to lead from the front with a performance worth much more than two premiership points. Making his seventh ANZAC Day appearance - and fifth as Roosters captain - the 32-year-old fullback has been strong under difficult circumstances, averaging 190 metres a game to start the season. Yet to score a try in 2025 and having a hand in just four try assists, a strong performance from Tedesco will be vital if the Roosters are to record three consecutive ANZAC Day wins for the first time.

Beginning the year as one of the most improved young forwards in the league, Toby Couchman will be vitally important to the Dragons' chances of victory. Producing 120 running metres and 44 tackles in 60 minutes of game time on average for the joint venture this season, the 21-year-old has revelled in the starting side after playing exclusively off the bench during the past two seasons. Penning an extension alongside his twin brother, Ryan, until the end of 2027, a strong showing on the big stage could attract the attention of NSW coach Laurie Daley as the State of Origin series draws closer.

Favourite: The Roosters have been favoured to rise to the occasion despite producing their worst start to a season in nine years. 

My tip: Having been humiliated on ANZAC Day last year, the much-improved Dragons will be determined to deliver a performance that is remembered for the right reasons. Dragons by 10.

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

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

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Dave Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;