Coach Trent Robinson has trimmed his squad down 24hrs ahead of the round 8 clash.
Billy Smith and Benaiah Ioelu have been omitted from the initial squad named on Tuesday.
Billy Smith is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in Round 4 with Benaiah returning to NSW Cup.
Tomorrows ANZAC Day Cup features some special items on auction including our player signed Bondi Blue painting. Bid Here for your chance to win a one of a piece kind created by the squad.
Originally Published 21/4/26
The Sydney Roosters are proud to announce their line-up for the Round 8 ANZAC Day Cup clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons, set to kick off at 4pm this Saturday, April 25 at Allianz Stadium.
One of the most significant fixtures on the rugby league calendar, the annual ANZAC Day Cup once again brings together two proud clubs in a match that extends far beyond the game. The occasion provides an opportunity to honour and remember the sacrifices of those who served, with both sides embracing the responsibility that comes with representing this day.
The Roosters will run out in their ANZAC Round jersey, featuring the iconic Bondi Blue, paying tribute to the club’s sides of 1944 to 1946 who wore the colours during World War II. It’s a jersey that carries history, meaning and connection, adding further weight to an already powerful occasion.
James Tedesco captains the side from fullback, with Daniel Tupou and Mark Nawaqanitawase named on the wings. Hugo Savala lines up in the centres alongside Robert Toia, while the halves pairing of Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker will look to control the contest.
Up front, Naufahu Whyte and Lindsay Collins lead the pack at prop, with Reece Robson at hooker. Angus Crichton and Siua Wong take their places on the edges, while Victor Radley starts at lock, bringing his trademark energy and presence through the middle.
Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher and Salesi Foketi have been named on the interchange bench, providing impact across the park, with Cody Ramsey, Billy Smith, Benaiah Ioelu, Egan Butcher and Tommy Talau rounding out the extended squad.
The Dragons come into the contest sitting at the bottom of the ladder, but history suggests that form often goes out the window on ANZAC Day. They have consistently risen to the occasion in this fixture, making them a dangerous opponent regardless of position.
With a big crowd expected at Allianz Stadium and the significance of the day at the forefront, the Roosters will be looking to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion in what shapes as another memorable chapter in the ANZAC Day Cup.
The teamlist is as follows:
Match: Dragons v Roosters
Round 8 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell SloanFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Setu TuWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Moses SuliCentre for Roosters is number 3 Hugo Savala
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine HolmesCentre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Roosters is number 5 Mark Nawaqanitawase
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Daniel AtkinsonFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-Evans
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kade ReedHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Emre GulerProp for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu Whyte
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece Robson
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Toby CouchmanProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Luciano Leilua2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ryan Couchman2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong
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Lock for Dragons is number 14 Josh KerrLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 13 Hamish StewartInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Loko Jnr Pasifiki TongaInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Spencer Leniu
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Blake LawrieInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
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Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Jacob HalangahuInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Salesi Foketi
Reserves
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Reserve for Dragons is number 18 Kyle FlanaganReserve for Roosters is number 18 Cody Ramsey
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Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Hayden BuchananReserve for Roosters is number 22 Tommy Talau
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Members and fans also have the opportunity to own a piece of Sydney Roosters history, with the official 2026 ANZAC Cup jerseys now available via auction.
Each player jersey is match-issued and signed for the Club’s 24th ANZAC Day Cup clash, the traditional fixture against the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Bondi Blue carries deep meaning, honouring sacrifice, resilience and the spirit of coming together in times of hardship.
Don’t miss your chance to secure a unique piece of Sydney Roosters history. Auction ends 6pm, 30th of April 2026.
Bid Now.
