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Roosters Defeat Dragons 62-16 in NRL Match

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Roosters Crush Dragons 62-16 in Anzac Day Clash

The Dragons have now lost 12 consecutive games, eight in the 2025 season—their worst start since South Sydney's 12-game losing streak in 2006.

In an NRL match on April 25 at the Sydney Football Stadium, the Sydney Roosters defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons 62-16. The match was the Dragons' first following the dismissal of head coach Shane Flanagan, with Dean Young serving as interim coach.

Match Summary

At halftime, the Roosters led 34-4. The final score of 62-16 is the second-highest number of points conceded by the Dragons as a joint venture, exceeding only a 70-10 loss to Melbourne 26 years ago.

Key Events

First Half

  • After James Tedesco broke a tackle from Luciano Leilua, Sam Walker scored a try.
  • Mat Feagai failed to catch a kick by Daly Cherry-Evans, allowing Siua Wong to score.
  • Dragons players Luciano Leilua and Dan Atkinson were sent to the sin bin. Leilua was sin-binned for a late high tackle on Sam Walker; the Roosters scored two tries during his absence. Atkinson was sin-binned for a professional foul; while he was off, Rob Toia took the ball from Feagai's hands to score.

Second Half

  • Atkinson threw a forward pass 15 seconds into the half. Officials missed a knock-on from Connor Watson, and Reece Robson scored shortly after.
  • Luciano Leilua kicked the ball dead after a Dragons knock-on; the Roosters used the seven-tackle set to have Daniel Tupou score.
  • Dragons debutant Kade Reed fumbled a ball on the last tackle; Tedesco caught it and ran 85 meters to score.

Debut Performance of Kade Reed

Dragons debutant Kade Reed had two try-scoring opportunities disallowed by the video referee. Reed's first involvement saw him throw a 35-meter pass to winger Matt Feagai, who scored. However, the bunker ruled a knock-on by Tyrell Sloan in the lead-up. Later in the game, Reed appeared to score under the posts, but the try was ruled out for obstruction.

Player Statistics

Sam Walker was awarded the Ashton Collier Spirit of Anzac Medal as best on ground, scoring two tries and nine conversions for a personal total of 26 points. Setu Tu was involved in all three of the Dragons' tries on the right side.

Team Records

The Dragons have now lost 12 consecutive games, eight in the 2025 season. This is the most consecutive losses to start a season since South Sydney's 12-game losing streak in 2006.