Dragons v Roosters: Reed set for debut; Smith returns
Plenty of intrigue surrounds this special match on the rugby league calendar, with the Roosters to face a Dragons side looking to impress their new coach.
St George Illawarra confirmed on on Monday they were parting ways with coach Shane Flanagan after a winless start to the season. They has since named former club great Dean Young as interim coach.
With some changes to the team line up, including the inclusion of youngster Kade Reed into the starting side, Young is hoping to restart their season in their tough Anzac Day outing.
The Roosters have been a team of two halves in recent weeks, overcoming first-half deficits to post impressive wins.
They did it in Round 6 against the Sharks, coming back from being 22-12 down at the break to win 34-22.
Last week, they did it again against a high-flying Newcastle side, with James Tedesco inspiring his side to a 38-24 victory after they were trailing 24-12. In both weeks, they have kept their opposition scoreless in the second half.
Match: Dragons v Roosters
Round 8 -
home Team
Dragons
17th Position
away Team
Roosters
5th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Dragons: Youngster Kade Reed has been named to make his NRL debut at halfback. The 20-year-old played 16 Jersey Flegg matches in 2025 before making his NSW Cup debut in Round 26 against the Bulldogs. He scored a try in the Dragons' Pre-Season Challenge win over the Knights and has had five try assists in four NSW Cup games this season. Reed comes in for Kyle Flanagan, who drops to the extended bench. Moses Suli (eye socket) returns in the centres so Mat Feagai goes to the wing and David Fale (hamstring) drops out. Ryan Couchman returns from suspension to fill the void left by Jaydn Su'A, who has been banned for three games for his high shot on Cameron Murray. Winger Christian Tuipulotu is listed among the reserves as he targets a return from a knee injury.
Roosters: Just the one change to the 19-man squad that took care of the Knights last Sunday with centre Billy Smith looking to return from a knee injury. Tommy Talau drops to the reserves.
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
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Moses SuliCentre for Roosters is number 3 Hugo Savala
-
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
-
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
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Toby CouchmanProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Luciano Leilua2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ryan Couchman2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Hamish StewartLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Josh KerrInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Loko Jnr Pasifiki TongaInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Spencer Leniu
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Blake LawrieInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Jacob HalangahuInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Salesi Foketi
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Kyle FlanaganInterchange for Roosters is number 18 Cody Ramsey
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Christian TuipulotuInterchange for Roosters is number 19 Billy Smith
Reserves
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Hayden BuchananReserve for Roosters is number 20 Benaiah Ioelu
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 21 Hame SeleReserve for Roosters is number 21 Egan Butcher
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 22 Isaiah FagaliloReserve for Roosters is number 22 Tommy Talau
Dragons Ins
- Christian Tuipulotu
- Hayden Buchanan
- Isaiah Fagalilo
- Moses Suli
- Ryan Couchman
Roosters Ins
- Benaiah Ioelu
- Billy Smith
- Egan Butcher
Dragons Outs
- David Fale
- Jaydn Su'A
Roosters Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won over 50 percent of Anzac Day games against the Roosters since 2003.
- The Roosters have won five of their last six Anzac Day clashes against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won only two of their last 15 games against the Roosters.
- Roosters second-rower Angus Crichton will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- The Dragons have conceded 175 points in four games at the new Allianz Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
