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Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins NRL Betting Tips - Phins to cover in a high-scoring game in Round 26

andrew-hendrie
Andrew Hendrie
Editor
Last updated: Fri 28 Aug 2026 09:06
The Sydney Roosters look to secure a top four finish but face a challenging Dolphins side in top form. While the Roosters historically edge the head-to-head, the Dolphins are on a winning streak, especially strong in Sydney, and consistently cover the +5.5 line against top teams. Expect a high-scoring encounter exceeding 46.5 points, with Herbie Farnworth tipped as an anytime tryscorer. Despite their slow starts, the Dolphins' attack and momentum make them tough opposition and worth backing on the spread.
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  • Roosters are top-four hopefuls but Dolphins have won 13 of their last 15 games.
  • Dolphins consistently cover +5.5 line vs top teams and thrive in Sydney.
  • Expect a high-scoring game with Herbie Farnworth likely to score.
roosters dolphins nrl
Dolphins take on the Sydney Roosters (Getty Images)


Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins Verdict


The Roosters are chasing the minor premiership but face a tough opponent in the shape of the Dolphins, who are backed to stay within the +5.5 line. They do tend to start slowly so Sydney to get ahead early is the best bet along with over 46.5 total points in the game.
  • Dolphins have won their last five games
  • Dolphins have covered a +5.5 line in all four games vs top four teams this season
  • Dolphins have a 3-0 record in Sydney this season
  • Dolphins rank last in the first 20 minutes of games this season
  • The last four meetings have seen 58+ total points
  • Herbie Farnworth has scored 1+ try in his last 10 games vs top four teams
  • Farnworth has scored 1+ try in two of his last three appearances vs Roosters

Roosters vs Dolphins Head To Head

The Roosters have dominated this H2H for the most part, winning four of the last five meetings, but it was the Phins who came away with a big 48-10 victory in the most-recent clash.

Sydney Roosters Form

The Panthers Hangover strikes again.

The Roosters were flying on an eight-match winning streak, the last of which was a brilliant 12-6 victory over the Panthers.

However, the level of effort and exertion - both mentally and physically - it takes to grind down the Panthers in a defensive-oriented game takes its toll.

It was the biggest upset of the season by odds and pre-match line, but it really shouldn't have come as too much of a shock that the Roosters were flat against the Tigers.

Trent Robinson's side left their run too late and they were ultimately pipped 25-24 by a Jock Madden field goal. It leaves the Chooks needing to win one of their final two games to confirm a top four spot.

Dolphins Form

Could the Phins be the first team to break the '50-point curse' and win the premiership in 2026?

Incredibly, the Dolphins have conceded 52 points to Manly and 66 to Cronulla this season, but they remain inside the top four heading into Round 26, winning 13 of their last 15 games.

Clearly the Phins are guilty of throwing in an absolutely abysmal performance here and there - and as touched upon earlier, their slow starts need an urgent fix - but when they get it right, their attack is the most electric in the competition and capable of beating anyone.

They've been far from perfect - and they needed to come from behind early again vs the Eels last week before running away 34-16 winners - but the Phins have momentum and no side will want to face them in the finals.

Team News

James Tedesco has been named to return from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for three games, while Victor Radley is out with a head knock, with Taylor Losalu coming onto the bench.

Kristian Woolf has stuck solid with the same team that beat the Eels last week.

Verdict

The Dolphins can overcome another slow start to cover a +5.5 line in a high-scoring game, with Herbie crossing for a meat pie.

Best Bet1: Roosters Interval Winner (00:00-19:59) @13/12 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Dolphins +5.5 Line @9/10 at dabble - 3 Units
Best Bet3: Over 46.5 Total Points @4/5 at Star Sports - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Herbie Farnworth Anytime Tryscorer @8/5 at Ken Howells - 1 Unit
Roosters
Interval Winner (00:00-19:59)
@13/12 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Dolphins +5.5
Line
@9/10 - 3 Units
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New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org

Bet at dabble
Over 46.5
Total Points
@4/5 - 2 Units
Bet £20 Get £10
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18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
Herbie Farnworth
Anytime Tryscorer
@8/5 - 1 Unit
up to £25 Cashback
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Bet at Ken Howells
andrew-hendrie
Andrew Hendrie

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

Andrew has been writing about sports for over a decade now after graduating with a double degree in 2013. In that time he has covered a wide range of sports, including NRL, AFL, Football (soccer), Tennis, NBA, NFL and more.


As a fan of Manchester City (since the 90s, he’s not a bandwagoner so they say), Canterbury Bulldogs and the Newcastle Jets, he’s experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows throughout the last few years.

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