Key posts
Which team gets two points today?
Radley and Klemmer into the action early
Clint Gutherson gets things under way with the kick-off, and Spencer Leniu takes the first carry for the Roosters.
A strong set from the home side with Robert Toia and Mark Nawaqanitawase making an early break down the right edge, but no points come from the first set.
Things are already firing up at Allianz though, with Tyrell Sloan and Billy Smith getting into a tussle after Sloan takes Smith over the sideline, with Victor Radley and David Klemmer joining in on the fun.
Calm down guys, there’s still 79 minutes to go.
The Dragons ahead of their Anzac Day clash with the Roosters. Credit: Getty Images
Anthems ahead of kick-off
We’ve just had The Ode and a minute’s silence in front of a packed crowd here at Allianz Stadium, and now it is time for the New Zealand and Australian national anthems before play gets under way.
Australian servicemen and women attend the Anzac Day formalities at Allianz Stadium.Credit: Getty Images
Formalities begin at Allianz Stadium
We’re going through the formalities here at Allianz Stadium, as the two teams prepare for kick-off.
Australian Rugby League Chairman Peter V’landys is at the ground for the match along with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo.
Here are some photos from the day so far.
ARL chairman Peter V’landys.Credit: Getty Images
Australian Army and Airforce paragliders arrive at Allianz Stadium.Credit: Getty Images
Why Anzac Day is so important to Roosters enforcer
By Robert Dillon
Victor Radley’s passion for playing on Anzac Day is a jarring reminder that, while you are unlikely to meet a prouder Australian, he will never get a chance to pull on the green and gold jersey.
The Sydney Roosters enforcer has labelled Friday’s Anzac Day clash with St George Illawarra at Allianz Stadium as the biggest game of the NRL regular season “by a country mile”.
Roosters enforcer Victor Radley.Credit: Getty Images
“One hundred per cent, it’s the best game in the calendar for sure – the 27-round calendar,” Radley said.
“In the back of your mind, you always want to make sure you’re fit for this one. I missed it last year with a hammy, so touch wood I can get through this week all good.”
Read the full story here.
Bulldogs trio face combined 13 weeks on sidelines
By Dan Walsh
Canterbury back-rower Sitili Tupouniua is facing up to seven matches on the sidelines for two incidents in which he kneed and shoulder-charged Brisbane’s Brendan Piakura in the head.
Josh Curran learning of his fate on Thursday night.Credit: Getty Images
With teammates Josh Curran (grade two shoulder charge) facing up to four weeks out and Matt Burton (grade two careless high tackle) also issued a 1-2 game ban, the Bulldogs trio face a combined nine weeks on the sidelines if they were to each accept early guilty pleas.
That figure balloons to a maximum of 13 combined weeks if each charge was unsuccessfully challenged at the judiciary.
Read the full story here.
Dragons team list
The only change for Shane Falanagan’s side is Dylan Egan moving into the second row with Luciano Leilua starting from the bench.
1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Tyrell Sloan, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Valentine Holmes, 5. Sione Finau, 6. Kyle Flanagan, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Toby Couchman, 9. Damien Cook, 10. David Klemmer, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 17. Dylan Egan, 13. Jack De Belin, 11. Luciano Leilua, 14. Jacob Liddle, 15. Blake Lawrie, 16. Emre Guler
Clint Gutherson will lead the Red V.Credit: Getty Images
Walsh’s view: loss drops Roosters to bottom of the ladder
Roosters team list
No changes for Trent Robinson’s side from the one named on Tuesday. Here’s how they line up today.
Billy Smith will line up in the centres again for the Roosters this week. Credit: NRL Photos
1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Sandon Smith, 7. Hugo Savala, 8. Spencer Leniu, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Naufahu Whyte, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Salesi Foketi, 16. Blake Steep, 17. Egan Butcher
Which team gets two points today?
Welcome
Good afternoon footy fans, and welcome to our live coverage of the NRL Anzac Day matches.
Billie Eder here to take you through the action at Allianz Stadium, where the Roosters and the Dragons are going head-to-head.
Dan Walsh also in the seat beside me to provide expert insights and analysis for everyone following along.
Kick-off is 4pm – I’ll bring you the team lists and breaking news before then.
The Roosters ahead of the 2024 Anzac Day clash.Credit: Getty
