Rugby League

2025-05-16 - Canterbury Bulldogs vs Sydney Roosters

A Sports Betting Pick by Stu

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters
Rugby League : Australia : NRL Season 2025
Friday 16th May 2025 - KO 1955 AEST

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The Canterbury Bulldogs have been in exceptional form this season, currently sitting at the top of the NRL ladder with an impressive record of 8-1. Cameron Ciraldo has instilled a huge amount of confidence in the Bulldogs and they have developed a formidable team with a strong defensive structure and an effective attacking unit. Key players like Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau have been instrumental in their performances, with Burton's playmaking abilities and goal kicking a vital cog in the Bulldogs system.

The Bulldogs defence has been superb, and they lead in this category, conceding just 138 points from their nine matches so far for an average of 15.3ppg. Their recent victory over the Canberra Raiders, where they came back from a 20-0 deficit to win 32-20, showcased their resilience and determination, a hallmark of Cameron Ciraldo’s style. The inclusion of Reed Mahoney at hooker lining with attacking threats, led by players like Jacob Kiraz and Stephen Crichton, will be crucial in this upcoming match.

Canterbury Bulldogs Team news – Salmon was injured last weekend, Hayes will now start and Luke Smith looks set for his debut off the bench.

Sydney Roosters

The Sydney Roosters have had a challenging start to the 2025 season, currently placed 9th on the NRL ladder winning 4 matches from 9 played. Under the guidance of coach Trent Robinson, the Roosters have faced a tough draw, meeting strong teams like the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers twice in the first seven rounds but should be refreshed after 2 great victories against St George and Redcliffe and coming off a bye. Their recent victory over the St. George Illawarra Dragons by 28 points, where they ran in seven tries to three, showcased their attacking prowess and boosted their attacking 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, surprising many and providing creativity and direction in their play.

The Rooster’s defence has been mediocre averaging 27.3ppg, which shows they will need to improve their consistency to counter the Bulldogs attacking threats.

Sydney Roosters Team news – Lindsay Collins returns from injury. No other changes expected.

Odds

Bet 365 has the number one team in the NRL at home as favourites, $1.44 to $2.80, the line is 7.5 points and combined points 44.5

The Betting Verdict

The Roosters have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning 26 of the 49 games played between the two teams. The ground stats are in favour of the Bulldogs albeit by a slim margin, Canterbury winning at home 54% with Sydney 29-31 However, the Roosters have won only two of their last eight games at Accor Stadium showing how close this fixture cold be, Sydney have won 10 of the past 12 matches against the Bulldogs.

This will be the first meeting of the clubs in 2025 and these teams met twice in 2024. The spoils were shared 1-1 last season, Canterbury winning at Accor stadium 30-26 in an entertaining match where the Dogs lead at HT 26-0, only for the Roosters to storm home to fall just short by 4 points. The second match was all the Roosters, claiming an easy win, but less exciting 26-8.

Key matchups to watch include the battle of the fullbacks between Connor Tracey and James Tedesco. Both players are crucial to their teams attacking setups, and their performance could significantly influence the outcome of the game. Tedesco has been in sublime form through 2025 and even though Tracey is not quite at the same level yet, has shown plenty of determination on both attack and defence. The forward battle between Viliame Kikau and Angus Crichton will be an extremely physical contest in the middle of the park one well worth watching closely.

Canterbury have lost just once this season to Brisbane in Brisbane 42-18 and incredibly have played a top 8 side just twice through 11 rounds. Beating Canberra last weekend by 12 and Cronulla by 14 in round 4. The Roosters have also had some luck to date in not facing too many top 8 teams with 3 such meetings so far winning 1 and losing 2.

Canterbury are in such good form it is hard to see them losing here, and with Accor stadium not a happy hunting ground for Sydney in recent times either. Canterbury should win here but I believe it will be close, making options like Points start for Roosters and 1-12 options for Canterbury the best betting choices.