Sydney Roosters host Dolphins in Round 26 of the 2026 NRL season at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 29th August at 5:30 PM AEST. Read on for our full match preview, betting tips, and best odds.
A vital clash for both teams with the winner still a chance of a top-two finish and the loser potentially in danger of dropping out of the top four.
FORM: The Roosters’ blistering eight-match winning streak came to an end in the unlikeliest of circumstances, pipped 25-24 by the embattled Tigers. Realistically they were fortunate to force a grandstand finish in a dismal performance.
The Dolphins have quietly pieced together a five-game winning run through a soft section of the draw, easing past Parramatta 34-16 last Friday with Herbie Farnworth and Jamayne Isaako both picking up doubles.
INS AND OUTS: James Tedesco has again been named to return for his first game since Round 22. Nat Butcher starts at lock for Victor Radley (head knock) and Taylor Losalu comes onto the bench. The Dolphins are unchanged.
KEY MATCH-UP: Elite wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and Selwyn Cobbo duelled at Origin level and are both in brilliant club form.
HISTORY: The Roosters hold a 4-2 lead in this rivalry, but the Dolphins powered to a 48-10 win at Suncorp Stadium in Round 15 with both sides missing a host of Origin players.
KEY STAT: The clubs’ last four encounters all produced totals of 58 points or more.
VERDICT: A massive game for both clubs and the make-up of the Top 8. The Roosters had their pants pulled down in costly fashion by the Tigers, which should prompt Tedesco’s belated return.
The Dolphins have a nice roll on, but they haven’t faced anyone of note since their 66-0 loss to Cronulla seven weeks ago. Winning on the road hasn’t been an issue for the Dolphins and they will be fired up to assert there are more than three teams capable of winning this premiership.
The overlooks the best option in this one, though, with a strong trend of high scorers between the teams and lashings of attacking strike on both sides.
Prediction: Back Over 47.5 Total Points @ $1.90
SGM: DOLPHINS +4.5 / OVER 8.5 TOTAL TRIES / JAMAYNE ISAAKO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / HERBIE FARNWORTH ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JAMES TEDESCO ANYTIME TRYSCORER /ROBERT TOIA ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $48.67
Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins Odds & Popular Betting Markets
Here’s a quick look at the current odds and popular betting markets for the Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins matchup.
*odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
| Team | Odds | |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphins (4.5) | 1.90 | Bet Now |
| Sydney Roosters (-4.5) | 1.90 | Bet Now |
NRL odds correct as of 27/08/2026 and subject to change. Event scheduled to start at 29/08/2026 5:30pm AEST.
NRL odds correct as of 27/08/2026 and subject to change. Event scheduled to start at 29/08/2026 5:30pm AEST.