Two in-form teams go at it in the NRL on Friday night, as the Roosters host the Bulldogs in a very exciting matchup. With the Bulldogs looking to keep pace with the top 2 in the race for the Minor Premiership, and the Roosters battling for the final place in the top 8, there is plenty on the line in what should be a very good game of football.
Ben Bridge brings you his preview and best bets for this clash below and if you’re keen to play along, simply join Neds via this link!
Roosters vs Bulldogs Prediction & Tips: 2025 NRL Round 24
Roosters Rounding into Form at the Right Time
The Roosters come into round 24 in some very good form, playing good football over the last three weeks. This is no coincidence, with the return of Sam Walker pushing the Roosters attack forward. This was demonstrated beautifully last week, as they completed destroyed the Dolphins on the road, piling on 11 tries against the 8th placed Dolphins, running out 64-12 winners. This was off the back of a solid 20-4 victory over the Sea Eagles in round 22, and a tight 34-30 loss to the Storm the week prior. The Roosters are certainly hitting form at the right time.
There were stars across the paddock for the Chooks last week, however James Tedesco was predictably the best of them, scoring two tries, breaking the line once, setting up three tries and creating four-line breaks, in a monumental effort. Marky Mark Nawaqanitawase also hit back after a quiet few games, scoring three tries and running for 170 metres. In the forwards, Spencer Leniu was a monster, running for 141 metres on 10 carries, scoring a try and line break, and busting a mammoth 10 tackles. He certainly was up for a big game.
Captain Crichton Shows His Versatility
The Bulldogs also come into this pivotal clash off a nice win, bouncing back from their round 22 loss to the Tigers by beating the Warriors 32-14 at home. It allowed the Bulldogs to keep within touching distance of the Raiders and Storm ahead, after the loss to the Tigers bumped them two points behind the Raiders. With the Bulldogs now 5 points clear of fourth place, a top 3 finish is all but assured, however Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo will have his eye on that Minor Premiership.
The game last weekend against the Warriors was played in trying conditions, with barely 2000 metres made between the two teams. Despite only making 1235 metres, the Bulldogs managed to produce six-line breaks and scored five tries, in a dominant display over the Warriors, who sadly seem to be out of juice this year. Stephen Crichton was terrific for the Bulldogs, as he continued his role of playing fullback in attack, and centre in defence for the Dogs. Crichton had a try and line break, as well as a try assist and line break assist, in another terrific display from their captain. Enari Tuala was also impressive, scoring two tries and breaking the line three times, whilst running for 144 metres.
Roosters vs Bulldogs Recent History
This rivalry has been a real back and forth between two good teams the past few seasons, with both teams winning three of the past six matchups. The teams have never met at the new Allianz Stadium, with the sides last meeting at this site in 2018 at the old stadium, where the Roosters easily accounted for the Bulldogs, 30-12.
The two teams have already squared off once this season, with the Bulldogs hosting the Roosters in round 11 at Accor Stadium. The Bulldogs closed 6.5-point home favourites, with a total of 46.5 on Friday Night Football. It was an extremely tight game of football, with the statistics between the clubs almost identical, save for one glaring difference, completion percentage / errors. Whilst the Bulldogs completed at a healthy 81%, the Roosters completed just 67% of their sets, making 17 errors, which was more than double the amount of the Bulldogs. The Dogs snuck home 24-20, with a converted try to Matt Burton in the 74th minute proving the difference. Can the Roosters have more discipline this week, and if so, are they a sneaky chance at the upset?
Back in the Chooks to Cause the Upset
The Bulldogs opened as 3.5-point favourites, but money has been all one way since last weekend’s games, with the Bulldogs now 1.5-point favourites at most sportsbooks. Punters are flocking to back the Roosters in after some impressive football over the last month and are betting the home side in here. I am in full agreement with the market, as I make the Roosters a very slight favourite at home. Whilst it’s hard to back against the Bulldogs, I really like the Roosters in this spot, coming back home after a couple of weeks on the road. Their attack looks far better with Walker in the lineup, and their defence has looked far more reliable over the past couple of weeks. I’m backing the Chooks in here at the line.
Looking towards the total, and it opened 43.5 and has been bet down quite a bit to 41.5. I’m a little higher for my fair at 44, however in a clash of this magnitude, I’m a little scared off going over. Still, I would very much lean towards the over if betting the total here. The Roosters have played the most overs of any side this season and could easily put up 24+ points in my opinion this week.
However, it’s the money line where I will put my hard earned this week, backing the underdogs to get the job done at home.
Roosters to Win
$2.20 (2 Units)
Roosters vs Bulldogs Player Prop Bet: Billy the Kid to Score
Our Best Prop Bet: Smith 1+ Try
Smith has finally had a half decent run of it injury-wise in the 2025 season, playing 13 of a possible 20 games so far. Smith has 8 tries in those 13 games, and outside Sam Walker he looks more likely than ever to score each week. Yes, he’s against Stephen Crichton, but I don’t think it will scare the Roosters off going left in this game.
Billy Smith (1+ try)
$3.50
Same Game Multi: Roosters vs Bulldogs
Leg 1: Roosters ML – See best bet.
Leg 2: B Smith (1+ try) – See above best prop bet.
Leg 3: J Preston (1+ try) – Preston continues to improve on this Bulldogs right edge and runs a line as well as anyone. With Crichton floating in and out on that right edge, I love Preston to benefit here and score his ninth try of the season.
SGM Odds: $19.00 at Dabble
Roosters vs Bulldogs Better Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday, 15th August
Location: Allianz Stadium - Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEST
Weather: Fine, 15 degrees
Odds: Roosters ($2.10) vs Bulldogs ($1.73)
Line: Bulldogs (-1.5)
Points: 42.5
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Where to Watch Roosters vs Bulldogs
Watch the Roosters vs Bulldogs match on Channel 9, as well as live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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