Matt Attard previews the public holiday Monday clash between Canterbury-Bankstown and St George Illawarra. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney, Date: Monday June 14, Time: 4pm
Bulldogs Team
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2. Nick Cotric
3. Will Hopoate
4. Aaron Schoupp
5. Nick Meaney
6. Brandon Wakeham
7. Jake Avarillo
8. Jack Hetherington
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Luke Thompson
11. Adam Elliott
12. Matt Doorey
13. Josh Jackson
14. Sione Katoa
15. Dylan Napa
16. Ava Seumanufagai
17. Joe Stimson
19. Kyle Flanagan
20. Corey Waddell
21. Tuipulotu Katoa
23. Chris Smith
Team Changes
IN: Chris Smith
Jeremy Marshall-King
Kyle Flanagan
Sione Katoa
Tuipulotu Katoa
OUT: Bradley Deitz
Jackson Topine
Dragons Team
1. Matt Dufty
2. Cody Ramsey
3. Brayden Wiliame
4. Gerard Beale
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Corey Norman
7. Ben Hunt
8. Blake Lawrie
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Josh Kerr
12. Jack Bird
13. Jackson Ford
14. Talatau Amone
15. Poasa Faamausili
16. Daniel Alvaro
17. Jack de Belin
18. Adam Clune
19. Kaide Ellis
20. Tariq Sims
21. Billy Burns
Team Changes
IN: Adam Clune
Billy Burns
Tariq Sims
OUT:
Referee: Gerard Sutton
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Bulldogs
Embed from Getty ImagesTroops are slowly trickling back for Trent Barrett. Jeremy Marshall-King returns following Josh Jackson’s recovery from a torn calf last game, as does Sione Katoa and Chris Smith. The makeup of the team won’t be finalised until an hour from kick off, but it’s expected Kyle Flanagan will return.
Dragons
Embed from Getty ImagesCriticism surrounding Anthony Griffin’s public announcement that attacking weapon Matt Dufty won’t be re-signed has dominated headlines. They come off the back of a massive win over the Broncos and will be full of confidence with Zac Lomax just a week away from returning from injury, while Jack de Belin continues his redemption story.
PREVIEW
It is sure to be a Queen’s Birthday bash up. These two forward packs have been disappointing this season, however the Dragons have done an excellent job of fast, ‘in your face’ defence and muscle in their wins this season.
Their spine has been on song in recent weeks, with Corey Norman and Ben Hunt’s combination with veteran hooker Andrew McCullough and Dufty has been electric. I expect that to continue.
Try as they may, the Bulldogs only play well in patches. They’re lacking big-time players who can ice their chances, plus their defence has been questionable to say the least. They’ve shown some great signs, but unfortunately they’re so far away from the rest of the competition that season 2022 can’t come soon enough.
KEY STAT
The Bulldogs hold a 25-16 lead since 1998. The Dragons have won the last two games: 32-12 (round nine, 2021) and 28-22 (round 10, 2020).
PREDICTION
Dufty is now playing for a contract and will want to impress his future employers. His defence has been criticised so I expect to see an improvement in that area.
Dragons 13+
Follow Nothing But League on Twitter and Facebook.
Join our NRL Writing Team. Check out the details here.
