ANZAC Day has produced some of rugby league's most memorable contests, but the 2026 edition of the Roosters versus Dragons clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday looks like one of the most lopsided in recent memory. The Roosters sit at $1.18 with most Australian bookmakers, with the Dragons drifting to $5.50 as they attempt to end a 12-match losing streak stretching back to Round 20 of 2025.
A New Era for the Dragons
Dean Young takes the helm as interim coach following the mid-season departure of Shane Flanagan. Young's first major call has been to promote 20-year-old halfback Kade Reed to starting duties, pairing him with Toby Couchman in the halves. Reed had been impressive in NSW Cup and the club is hoping his pace and passing game can ignite an attack that has managed just 12 tries in seven games this season.
Captain Hamish Stewart and hooker Damien Cook remain the most consistent performers, while centre Valentine Holmes has shown flashes against fatigued defences. The Dragons have conceded 175 points in the past five weeks, the second-worst defensive record in the competition. On paper, they need almost everything to fall right to keep the Roosters under 30 points.
Roosters Roll On
Sam Walker is firmly established as one of the game's premier playmakers after his 26-unanswered-point second half against Newcastle last Sunday. Hugo Savala and Mark Nawaqanitawase both crossed multiple times in that win, and James Tedesco is finding his 2023 form after a slow start.
The Roosters have won their last five ANZAC Day meetings with the Dragons, and the Dragons have won just two of their past 15 fixtures against the Chooks. Angus Crichton plays his 150th NRL match on Saturday and is a popular pick in first try scorer markets. Coverage of the ANZAC Day round is available at ABC Rugby League.
What This Means for Punters
The Roosters are short at $1.18 and most line markets price them around -14.5. Given the Dragons' total attacking output this season, the Under 52.5 total points line has appeal, particularly with the Roosters showing a pattern of slow starts to matches. For head-to-head punters the value sits in Dragons +14.5 on the first-half line, which has landed for them in three of their seven losses this year. Same game multi builders are gravitating to a Roosters win combined with either Crichton or Nawaqanitawase as a try scorer. Kick-off is 4:00pm AEST at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 25 April.