The ANZAC Day clash between the Roosters and the Dragons is always something special. The first time these teams played on ANZAC day was in 2002 and the Roosters were victors on this occasion 24-20. Here is a little bit of background into this fixture.
· The ANZAC Day clash has been played 20 times
· Dragons have won 12, Roosters 8
· Winning margin has been by 1-12 on 11 occasions
· Winning margin has been by 13+ on 9 occasions
· Roosters have scored 340 points across all games at an average of 17 points.
· Dragons have scored 367 points across all games at an average of 18.3 points.
As you can see, this fixture has been a well fought contest over its history. This year the Roosters have been the better team, even though they have been struggling over the last couple of weeks. The Dragons have only managed two wins this season and on paper they have the weaker team.
As a Dragons fan, I circle this fixture in the calendar every year as both teams really get up for it. With the 25th of April 1915 being a day to remember for both Australia and New Zealand, it’s great to see these rivals come up against each other on this day of remembrance.
Unfortunately for my boys, I believe they will be on the wrong side of this one.
Prediction – Roosters 32 Dragons 16
In GDS fantasy terms, this game hasn’t been the best for fantasy production. In 2021 the highest score was 67 by Sam Walker and Josh McGuire and in 2022 the highest score was 74 by James Tedesco. Across both years, there have only been eight players that have scored more than 60 points.
This year, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see much of the same. I do think James Tedesco and Joseph Manu may have big games. Teddy was on fire against the Eels before he was ruled out due to a concussion. He had a solid outing in his return last week and scored 41 points. Manu is playing in the halves, and he flourishes in this position. He will be asked to do a lot more defending and with ball in hand, he will be a handful for the Red V defence.
Prediction - Tedesco and Manu for 60+ points.
If you’re going to the game, look out for the GDS boys as they will be floating around outside the stadium prior to kick off. If you see them, don’t be shy and say "gid-day".
