Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 8 clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Brisbane Broncos Vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Date: Thursday April 24, 7:50pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Broncos: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jensen 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Martin Taupau 20. Jock Madden 21. Josiah Karapani 22. Benjamin Te Kura
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Blake Wilson 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Lipoi Hopoi 23. Luke Smith
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Bunker: Adam Gee
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Brisbane Broncos will host the undefeated Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in a highly anticipated round 8 clash at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos will be without star fullback Reece Walsh, who sustained a PCL injury in last week’s Golden Point loss to the Warriors. He is expected to be sidelined for 4–6 weeks. Selwyn Cobbo comes in at fullback, with Deine Mariner on the wing. Brendan Piakura returns on the bench after his suspension.
Brisbane will look to rebound from inconsistent performances this season and capitalise on their home ground advantage at Suncorp.
The Bulldogs are nearing full strength, with the exception of Jack Todd, who suffered a broken arm in their previous match (Harry Hayes joins the bench for this game). They are aiming to secure their seventh consecutive win – the first time since 2014.
Their defensive resilience is incredible and it has now been five full halves of football since they’ve conceded a point.
Matt Burton made a strong return last week, showcasing his ball-handling skills despite some questionable attacking decisions.
Viliame Kikau also returned and delivered an impressive performance. Players like Jacob Kiraz, Jacob Preston, and Max King continue to push for State of Origin selection.
The Broncos’ ability to adapt without Walsh will be crucial. Their spine will need to step up to challenge the Bulldogs’ cohesive and in-form line-up. Their forward pack, led by King, will aim to dominate the middle, while their backline, featuring Kiraz and the ever busy Connor Tracey, poses a significant threat.
Brisbane lead the head-to-head 28-19 (one draw) since 1998, while Canterbury won the only 2024 clash 41-16 at Suncorp Stadium.
Given the Bulldogs’ current form and the Broncos’ injury concerns, the Bulldogs are favored to win this encounter.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Bulldogs by 10 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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