NRL: Dolphins out to rule the Roosters in Perth

The NRL heads to Perth on Friday night when the Dolphins take on the Sydney Roosters at HBF Park.

Rugby league fans in Perth showed great support when a double-header took place at Optus Stadium last season, and it will be no different on Friday.

It should be a sell-out at HBF Park, and the 20,000 plus that turn up will be in for a treat as the Dolphins and Roosters go toe-to-toe.

The Dolphins have had a great season, but their top-eight hopes are now in danger following a poor run of results.

They can be backed at 2.20 to make the eight, but face a tough run-in, starting with the clash against the Roosters.

The Roosters are third on the ladder and have set their sights on premiership glory.

The Bondi outfit can be backed at 4.00 to go all the way and win the 2024 NRL grand final.

. What: Dolphins v Sydney Roosters
. Where: HBF Park, Perth
. When: 20:00 (AEST), Friday 2nd August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Dolphins 3.50, Sydney Roosters 1.31

Dolphins eye Roosters shock

The Dolphins missed a great opportunity to cement their place in the top eight as they slipped to a home defeat against the Titans on Sunday.

With a tough run of fixtures to come, a home clash with Gold Coast was seen as must-win, but they ended up going down by seven points.

Wayne Bennett’s men will now look to bounce back, but it could not come much harder than a clash with the Roosters.

The two sides have clashed on two occasions since the Dolphins joined the NRL, and both games were last season.

The Dolphins won one by 10 points and lost the other by 16 points, so there has not been much separating the two sides.

If the Dolphins are to take the win, it is likely to be close, and they can be backed at 5.00 to win the game by 1-12 points.

There will be two try-scoring machines in action and the Dolphins have one of them.

Jack Bostock has sprung to prominence this season with 13 tries in 17 games, and will be a big threat to the Roosters defence.

Roosters back on track

After losing to ladder-leaders the Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters bounced back to winning ways at the weekend.

They edged out Manly Sea Eagles in a four-point thriller and will look to build on the win in Perth.

The Roosters had six different try-scorers against the Sea Eagles, which proves they can get points from anywhere.

Dominic Young was on the score sheet as he took his tally for the season to 15 in 15 games.

The Roosters have been averaging 29 points a game this season, and have been in good touch in recent weeks when scoring 40 against the Tigers, then 42 against the Dragons.

Trent Robinson’s men can be backed at 2.10 to beat the Dolphins by 13+ points on Friday night.