The second NRL game on Friday night heads to Sydney with the Roosters hosting the Bulldogs. These two sides have enjoyed a rivalry for several years and the resurgence of the Bulldogs sets the stage for another renewal of this epic contest. The Roosters will not want to give up home ground advantage without a fight and a preview of the NRL Finals could be ahead in this match. Before You Bet is here with a comprehensive look at what is ahead in this contest to assist with finding you a winner or two to get your weekend off to a good start.
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Roosters vs Bulldogs Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 23 2026
Roosters flexing their muscles
Traveling to Townsville to face the Cowboys, few expected the Roosters to dominate as much as they did in their 82-12 victory. With everything going their way, the Roosters took their chances and were several levels above their opponents. Credit must go to their execution, which maintain this standard for the full 80 minutes. Their dominance was something to admire; they had 64% possession, completed at 90%, made 11.1m per carry, had 679 PCM’s, and made 11 line breaks. Regardless of the circumstances, it was a warning sign of what they are capable of.
Bulldogs getting their bite back
Also experiencing a tricky road trip, the Bulldogs overcame the Storm in Melbourne 36-22. Locked up at 16-all at HT, the match was in the balance but thankfully for them, they prevailed in the second half by generating their own positive attacking momentum. With an equal share of possession and the same completion rate as their opponents (76%), their power in the middle was imperative to their success. They averaged 9.5m per carry and made 535 PCM’s, while also creating 9 line breaks. Such a level of execution had previously abandoned them. They still need to improve in some areas, missing 34 tackles and switching off defensively to concede 4 total tries.
Stats that matter
- The home team has won the past 6 games between these two sides. This sees the Roosters win 64% of games played here compared to the Bulldogs 50%.
- There is a history of close matches with 3 of the past 5 games decided by 4 points or less. This has the average margin of victory at 9.4 points. The total points scored in the same matches is 45.4.
- There is no doubt that the Roosters have been superior this season on both sides of the ball. They score 27ppg in attack and concede just 19ppg defensively. The Bulldogs average 19ppg in attack but concede 22ppg in defence.
A true test ahead
It has been smooth sailing recently for the Bulldogs, but they are about to face their toughest test. The Roosters were great last week but with everything going their way, we are yet to see them pressured relentlessly and this might be the week it comes their way. In the same breath, you cannot overlook the confidence which they are playing with. Form suggests that they are deserving of favouritism. With an extra day to prepare following a road trip, they should be primed to perform well in this game. The home side will have a defensive structure capable of combating what they see with Crichton at 5/8. This has seen the downfall of other clubs in the competition.
With the Roosters performing well, you must go looking for value if you wish to invest on this contest. The key is that the Bulldogs have an average loss margin this season of 17.1 points; with the Roosters winning by an average of 19.5 when they are victorious. Once they gather enough momentum in the middle to break down their opponents’ defensive line, they should be capable over covering the line offered.
Roosters -9.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Roosters vs Bulldogs Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 44.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Toia to score – plenty of noise has been made about the change in their opponent’s attack. Meanwhile, Toia has been quietly going about his business with 4 tries from his past 5 games. He’s also scored 3 from the past 4 games at this ground and will be out to score his first against the Bulldogs in 3 games here.
Leg 3 = B.Smith to score – shifting to the wing gives him plenty of opportunity to put himself in a try scoring position. Best of all, his play makers will do the same. With 6 tries from his past 5 games, Smith is a player in form and will be out to continue his positive streak.
Roosters vs Bulldogs Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday 7th August
Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Time: 8pm (AEST)
Odds: Roosters $1.36 vs Bulldogs $3.10
Line: -9.5
Points: 44.5
Where to Watch Roosters vs Bulldogs
Watch the Roosters vs Bulldogs match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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