Rugby League
2025-05-02 - Sydney Roosters vs Redcliffe Dolphins
A Sports Betting Pick by Stu
Rugby League : Australia : NRL Season 2025
Friday 2nd May 2025 - KO 2005 AEST
Sydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters have had a challenging start to the 2025 season, currently placed 13th of 17 on the NRL ladder with a record of 5-3. Coach Trent Robinson, have faced a tough draw to date, this match included being a “home match” being played against a Queensland team at Suncorp due to Magic round.
On top of that, meeting strong teams like the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers twice each in the first seven rounds and the Warriors through 8 matches has not been an easy start. Their next 4 matches get no easier, after the dolphins this week, Sydney face the Bulldogs, sharks and Raiders.
However, their recent victory over the St George Dragons 46-18, where they ran in seven tries to three, showcased their attacking prowess and boosted their confidence.
Key players for the Roosters include captain James Tedesco, who has been instrumental in their attacking plays, and Daniel Tupou, whose try-scoring abilities have been vital. The halves combination of Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala has also shown promise.
The Roosters attack has been solid enough, it is their defence that needs serious work, conceding 27.5ppg – the second worst in the comp.
Sydney Roosters Team news – Dom Young is placed in reserves and may come back in, no changes announced though.
Redcliffe Dolphins
The Redcliffe Dolphins have also had a mixed start to the 2025 season, currently sitting just one position higher than the Roosters in 12th with the same record, 3-5. Coach Kristian Woolf, has had a bumpy road this season with the Dolphins showing flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency, last weeks match is a case and point.
Redcliffe posting a heavy defeat to the Canberra Raiders, where they led 28-10 at halftime but conceded 30 points in the second half, highlighted the need for improvement in their defensive structure.
Key players for the Dolphins include Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Isaiya Katoa. Tabuai-Fidow's dynamic play at fullback and Katoa's playmaking abilities have been crucial for the team. The return of prop Felise Kaufusi from injury and the inclusion of Jeremy Marshall-King at hooker will add depth to the squad.
The Dolphins attacking threats, led by players like Jamayne Isaako and Herbie Farnworth, will be crucial in this fixture against Sydney.
Redcliffe Dolphins Team news – Felise Kaufusi offsets the loss of prop Daniel Saifiti to a shoulder injury, while Jeremy Marshall-King returns at hooker.
Odds
The odds in this one are very close, Sydney slightly ahead in the betting $1.87 to $1.95, the line is 1.5 points and combined points 48.5
The Betting Verdict
There have only been 3 matches between the Sydney Roosters and the Redcliffe Dolphins since the Dolphins inception in 2023. The Dolphins had the upper hand in their first-ever game in the Telstra Premiership in Round 1, 2023, when they stunned the Roosters 28-18 at Suncorp Stadium. But the Roosters have since turned the tables, winning the next 2 matchups 30-14 and 34-40, the lowest combined score 44, with 46 and 74 the totals in the other matches.
Key matchups to watch include the battle of the fullbacks, between James Tedesco and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Both players are crucial to their teams attacking setups, and their performance could significantly influence the outcome of the game and in the forwards, the battle between Spencer Leniu and Felise Kaufusi will be an extremely physical contest that could determine the dominance in the middle of the park.
Defence is a major concern for both teams, as they know how to attack but sit very low on the defensive list, Roosters being second last, only Parramatta are worse on this front, while the Dolphins are 11th defensively and come into this match leaking 40 points against Canberra.
Given the current form and head-to-head advantage, the Sydney Roosters are likely to come out on top, but this is by no means what I would suggest as a betting option. Redcliffe's resilience and ability to surprise stronger teams certainly gives them a shot at victory here.
Although the combined points is high at 48.5, I see exceeding this total as a likely outcome with 2 strong attacking teams and defensively fairly poor.
The Pick :
Sydney Roosters 32 - 26 Redcliffe Dolphins
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take Total combined points over 48.5 points returning $1.91 Bet365
