The surging Sydney Roosters will look to win their fourth in a row on Sunday, as they take on the 8th placed Dragons at Allianz Stadium. Can the Dragons get revenge from the ANZAC Day walloping at the hands of the Roosters, or will the chooks continue their push towards the top 2? We bring you our full game preview and betting tips here!
2024 NRL Round 18 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 7th July, 2:00pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Roosters continued their tremendous form last weekend, spanking the Tigers 40-6 on Sunday afternoon. The Roosters were a level above, and rarely got out of second gear on their way to victory. James Tedesco continued his red-hot form, running for 231 metres, whilst scoring a try and setting up another. The Roosters managed to outgain the Tigers by 450 metres, whilst breaking the line 10 times and forcing 47 missed tackles from the Tigers. The Roosters are genuine premiership contenders, and the form team in the competition right now.
As for the Dragons, they maintained their up and down form for season 2024 last week, with a comprehensive 26-6 home win over the Dolphins. The first half was a tightly contested 40 minutes, with both teams failing to play to their potential. However, with the loss of Jeremy Marshall-King, the Dolphins looked lost in the second half, as the Dragons ran in five tries in 23 minutes to win easily.
Match Preview
The last time these teams met on ANZAC Day in round 8, the Roosters lapped the Dragons 60-18 in one of the more dominant wins this year. The Roosters closed 5.5-point favourites for this match, and despite it being a “home” game for the Dragons, the game was played at Allianz Stadium, just like this one. The total closed 43.5 and was never in danger of going under.
Despite this game being played at the same venue, just 10 weeks later, the market for this contest looks a hell of a lot different to the round 8 closing numbers. The Roosters opened 13.5-point favourites for this game, where the number has stayed throughout the week. It would be interesting to see what the number would be if Joey Manu was playing, however the Roosters are going to be without their superstar centre for around four weeks with a fractured hand. I see value in the Roosters once again this weekend, making the Roosters 16.5-point favourites. The Dragons have a propensity to lose by margin, which we have discussed in previous previews, with six of their seven losses coming by 13+, whilst the Roosters have the most 13+ victories this season (7).
As for the total, it opened a massive 53.5, where it has stayed. No one appears to be willing to bet into the unders market, and with the total so high, overs money won’t come in until closer to game time when team lists, and weather are more certain. I make a fair total 48.5, but don’t have the gumption to bet an under with the way the Roosters attack has looked of late.
Roosters to win, and win well, maintaining their momentum as the best team in the NRL right now.
Roosters -13.5
$1.91 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
D Tupou (1+ try) – Tupou has just continued on his merry way this week, scoring 11 tries in 14 games. This week he takes on a poor Dragons right edge defence, and with Manu out I expect the Roosters to go left more.
Z Lomax (1+ try) – Lomax is one of the form players in the competition and is a lock for any SGM I place involving the Dragons.
S Walker (1+ try) – Speaking of form players, Sam Walker is well on his way to being the next million-dollar player. Only four tries this season, but Walker is always a chance close to the line.
SGM Odds: $13 at Bet365
