Sandon Smith stars as Roosters thump Dragons on ANZAC Day

The Roosters have delivered their most complete performance of the 2025 NRL season, dismantling the Dragons 46-18 in front of 41,021 fans at Allianz Stadium in the traditional ANZAC Day showdown.

In a match dominated by one of the best displays of Sandon Smith’s young career, the five-eighth stamped his mark on the occasion with two tries, seven goals, a pinpoint grubber for a James Tedesco try, and a personal haul of 22 points. Not even a stint in the sin bin could slow him down.

Smith opened the scoring in the second minute and added a second just before halftime by swooping on a loose pass and sprinting 50 metres untouched. His composed playmaking and sharp kicking kept the Sydney Roosters rolling, with his kicking game also laying on a try for Tedesco, who finished with a double in his 150th game as captain.

By halftime, the Roosters had surged to a 20-6 lead off the back of five unanswered line breaks and nearly two-thirds of possession. Mark Nawaqanitawase was outstanding on the right wing, running for 159 metres, scoring a try, and producing a 70-metre bust in a dominant first half.

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The St George Illawarra Dragons showed brief signs of life early in the second half after Damien Cook’s break through the middle, and when Smith was sin-binned for a high shot on Lachlan Ilias, the visitors had a chance. But an error off the next set saw the Roosters extend their lead via a penalty, and they didn’t look back.

Blake Steep added a dazzling solo try during the sin bin period, stepping and dummying his way 55 metres to the line. Hugo Savala and Kyle Flanagan exchanged tries, but the Roosters kept piling on the pressure.

The win marks the Roosters’ 12th victory from their past 14 matches against the Dragons and could be the turning point in their season. With reinforcements on the way and key players hitting form, the signs are finally promising for Trent Robinson’s men after a rocky start to 2025.

For the Dragons, it was a disappointing step back after two strong wins. Their lack of energy in defence and failure to capitalise on key moments left them chasing shadows in a game dominated by red, white, and blue.

A powerful performance from the Roosters, highlighted by Smith’s breakout showing, has them surging with momentum — and looking like a team ready to rise.

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