NRL 2023, Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra Dragons, round 8 preview, official team lists, Anzac Day, ins and outs, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Tue 25 Apr 2023, 03:05 PM

When it comes to traditions in rugby league they don't come much more powerful or solemn than the Roosters and Dragons meeting on Anzac Day.

The Roosters and the Red V will clash for the 21st time on our most important national day and can once again be relied upon to play their part in a unique match in front of a full house at Allianz Stadium.

Both sides arrive at Round 8 short on wins but high on motivation, the Roosters perhaps under a tad more pressure simply because more is expected of them in 2023 than the Dragons.

Trent Robinson's men sit ninth with three wins and three losses but their much-vaunted attack is producing only 18 point per game, a far cry from the likes of Brisbane (29ppg), Cronulla (27ppg) and Penrith (26ppg).

They confront a Dragons side low on confidence after back-to-back losses to the Titans and Raiders, and seemingly worn down by the constant speculation surrounding coach Anthony Griffin's future.

With an ounce of luck and a couple of smarter choices in the big moments they could have come away with wins in both those games and history shows they always lift for Anzac Day, holding a 12-8 advantage since the inaugural clash in 2002.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Tuesday 25 Apr

Full Time

Roosters

Dragons

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Team News

Roosters: No further changes on game day after Terrell May was replaced on the bench by Naufahu Whyte on Monday. Joseph Manu has been moved to five-eighth with Luke Keary going to halfback and Sam Walker playing NSW Cup. Paul Momirovski is the new centre. World Cup winner Angus Crichton makes his comeback and will fill the hole left by Nat Butcher's suspension. Sitili Tupouniua has been named to play his first game since Round 18 last year having recovered from an ACL injury.

Dragons: Anthony Griffin has made a late change with Michael Molo promoted to the starting side, Jaiyden Hunt joining the bench and Zane Musgrove going back to 18th Man. With Jaydn Su'A sidelined by a shoulder injury, Ben Murdoch-Masila returns to the pack after playing NSW Cup in Round 7.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Tuesday 25 Apr

Full Time

Roosters

Dragons

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell Sloan
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou

Winger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew Feagai
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese Suli
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Paul Momirovski

Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jaxson Paulo

Winger for Dragons is number 5 Tautau Moga
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Joseph Manu

Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau Amone
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary

Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Prop for Dragons is number 10 Blake Lawrie
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith

Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Moses Mbye
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins

Prop for Dragons is number 15 Michael Molo
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Egan Butcher

2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Ben Murdoch-Masila
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Angus Crichton

2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jack Bird
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Drew Hutchison

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jacob Liddle
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Sitili Tupouniua

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Toby Couchman
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Matthew Lodge

Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Josh Kerr
Interchange for Roosters is number 20 Naufahu Whyte

Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Jaiyden Hunt

Reserves

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Corey Allan

Replacement for Dragons is number 8 Zane Musgrove

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:51 AM

Stat Attack

The Roosters have won eight of their past nine games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have won nine of their past 14 Anzac Day games against the Roosters.
Roosters winger Jaxson Paulo has scored five tries in his past three games at Allianz Stadium.
Dragons centre Zac Lomax has scored five tries in eight games against the Roosters.
Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will play a record 12th Anzac Day game against the Dragons.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.