Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will host the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium for Round 16. The Bulldogs sit comfortably in the sixth position on the ladder just two short of Bronco’s position in fourth.
This preview has been written assuming all players who played in Origin II will back up. Bulldogs have 2 players backing up from the game, Josh Jackson and David Klemmer. Whereas Brisbane has 6 players backing up including Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Josh McGuire, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett and Corey Parker.
LAST TIME OUT
Both teams are coming off byes from last round and will be focused and re-energised.
The Bulldogs played the Dragons in round 14 (two rounds ago) and had a comfortable win 34-16. Having the home crowd advantage assisted the boys in blue to cross their try line multiple times. Sam Perrett, Michael Lichaa, Moses Mbye, Curtis Rona, Will Hopoate and Josh Reynolds contributed into grounding the ball to add 4 points each. Michael Lichaa had a huge game especially when he sparked momentum after he broke through three Dragon’s players to score from dummy half as well as making the most tackles for the side with 38. James Graham also had a huge contribution to the side by running 207 metres, which was the most of any player on the field with Curtis Rona following closely behind with 191 metres. These stats demonstrate how crucial their role of running was. Bulldogs had one of their best in form games of the season.
The Brisbane Broncos have also been impressive throughout the season. Also inconsistent like the Bulldogs, they are coming off a bye but a win in round 14. Similarly to the Bulldogs, they also had the home ground advantage in round 14 against the Canberra Raiders and took home the win 26-18. Broncos had a very strong start in the first half and managed to score one last try in the 44th minute to secure the win. The Canberra Raiders dominated in the second half as Broncos were showing signs of depletion. Corey Parker was the best on the field having a 100% accuracy conversion rate (5/5) and contributing with the first try of the game. Most Broncos players will be following up from Origin II on Wednesday night and will be exhausted.
KEY BATTLE
The fullbacks will be a key match-up, Will Hopoate (Bulldogs) and Darius Boyd (Broncos). Will Hopoate has had a huge influence on the Bulldogs form this season and will be looking to perform at his best on Saturday night to make an impact for his side. He will be looking to catch every high bomb kicked by Ben Hunt or Anthony Milford and guide the ball for the Bulldogs after the Brisbane halves attempt to get it down to their try line. However, Darius Boyd will be backing up from Origin and will hope to demonstrate the same form he did on Wednesday night in the maroon. The better fullback on the night will most likely come from the team who take out the victory.
It will be a battle of the coaches, Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler. Both are experienced and have been coaching for years, they will be hoping their Origin stars can back up sufficiently.
PREDICTION
Broncos will be exhausted after most players had commitments with Origin, Bulldogs too strong at home and will defeat Broncos by 12.
SQUADS
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala- Mariner 13. David Klemmer Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tony Williams 16. Danny Fualalo 17. Craig Garvey 18. Lloyd Perrett
Coach: Des Hasler
Brisbane Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Tom Opacic 4. James Roberts 5. Greg Eden 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Travis Waddell 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker Interchange: 14. Jayden S’ua 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Adam Blair 17. Kodi Nikorima 18. Herman Ese’ese
Coach: Wayne Bennett
