Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs - Round 23, 2026
The result
Salesi Foketi's try in the 70th minute leveled the scores and helped settle a game the Roosters won 20 to 18 at Allianz Stadium after leading 8 to 2 at the break. Billy Smith opened the scoring in the 14th minute, but the Bulldogs battled back to lead 8 to 18 before the Roosters closed it out.
How it unfolded
The Bulldogs made more all run metres, 1466 to the Roosters' 1399, and had six line breaks to the Roosters' three. The Roosters made more of their sets, completing at 72 percent against the Bulldogs' 66 percent.
Against projection
Jacob Preston went well past his projection, scoring 59 to its 58, though the closer story sits elsewhere. Jake Turpin lasted just 8 minutes and returned 5 points against a projected 35, while Sam Walker and Viliame Kikau both missed theirs by 24, finishing on 32 and 26 respectively.
Ownership outcome
Lachlan Galvin's 63 points, built on a try and a try assist, came from a starting half whose output outstripped most in the match. Harry Hayes returned 44 points from just 34 minutes off the bench, well clear of what his role would usually suggest.
