Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 24 clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and The Dolphins.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Vs The Dolphins
Venue: Salter Oval, Bundaberg
Date: Saturday August 17, 15:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Josh Curran, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Samuel Hughes, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Jacob Preston, 13. Kurt Mann, 14. Bailey Hayward, 15. Kurtis Morrin, 16. Harry Hayes, 17. Jaeman Salmon, 19. Lipoi Hopoi, 20. Chris Patolo, 21. Hayze Perham, 22. Drew Hutchison, 23. Poasa Faamausili
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Jake Averillo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jack Bostock, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Max Plath, 10. Tevita Pangai Junior, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Connelly Lemuelu, 13. Kenny Bromwich, 14. Oryn Keeley, 15. Lachlan Hubner, 16. Ray Stone, 17. Sean O’Sullivan, 18. Trai Fuller, 19. Tesi Niu, 20. Anthony Milford, 21. Kurt Donoghoe, 22. Josh Kerr
Referee: Adam Gee
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Bulldogs are on a three-game winning streak and continue to impress defensively, while the Dolphins got out of jail last weekend against the Warriors in a Golden Point thriller.
Wayne Bennett’s men won’t have to travel far, thanks to the Bulldogs taking this home game to Bundaberg, Queensland. It’s just the second clash in NRL history between these two teams. Canterbury won 23-22 (at the same venue) in round 22 last season. While it was four tries each, Matt Burton’s four goals from five was crucial. He also kicked a field goal on half-time to give the Bulldogs an unusual 11-8 lead.
Led by Hamiso Tabuia-Fidow and centre Herbie Farnworth, the Dolphins attack has been red-hot. They put 34 on the scoreboard in their last two games (against the Sydney Roosters and the Warriors).
Halfback Isaiya Katoa continues to prove why he is one of the hottest young players in the competition, while Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton also continues to improve from one game to the next.
On a warm afternoon, this game could be very fast paced with points aplenty. But can the Bulldogs continue to defend as gallantly as they have this season?
They’re the only team not to concede 30 points in a game and the only team still undefeated at home. You have to ask, how long can it continue?
This will be the first time the Bulldogs come up against former teammate Tevita Pangai Jnr. Who will win the inaugural “Tevita Pangia Jnr Cup”?
Neither side go into this game with many injury concerns stemming from last week, but the Bulldogs are still missing prop Mac King while back rower Jaeman Salmon returns on the bench. For The Dolphins, Lachlan Hubner replaces Mark Nicholls (head knock).
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Bulldogs by 10 points.
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