FRIDAY, APRIL 5th,2024 ACCOR STADIUM,SYDNEY
Bulldogs Look to Reignite Rivalry with Roosters on 20th Anniversary
Friday night at Accor Stadium marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Grand Final, as the Bulldogs and Roosters rekindle their rivalry.
That night, Canterbury emerged triumphant; however, they have not clinched a premiership since. Over the last decade, they have frequently found themselves languishing near the foot of the ladder.
Despite undergoing another massive recruitment drive, the Bulldogs still appear devoid of ideas in attack. Matt Burton is in dire need of an organizer alongside him in the halves.
Thus far, Drew Hutchison seems sluggish and incapable of fulfilling the role adequately. It’s only a matter of time before Toby Sexton makes his return to the No. 7 position.
Despite ongoing struggles in attack, there have been notable improvements this season, particularly in defense and overall resilience for the Dogs. However, Canterbury faces a significant setback this week with the absence of Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Preston, and Kurtis Morrin.
Two teams coming off narrow defeats in Round 4, the Roosters and Bulldogs, will aim to reignite their season as they clash at Accor Stadium on Friday.
The Roosters suffered from a sluggish beginning against the premiers on Thursday and are expected to come out firing after taking 39 minutes to score in their Round 4 loss.
Although they were defeated by the Rabbitohs, the Bulldogs will undoubtedly draw confidence from their Round 4 performance, where they pushed the South Sydney heavyweights to the limit on Good Friday.
The courageous display came with consequences for Canterbury, as they now confront the prospect of navigating through several weeks without back-rower Jacob Preston (jaw) and another match without their star winger Josh Addo-Carr (concussion) sidelined. Addo-Carr was forced out of action after a dangerous tackle by Latrell Mitchell just before half-time in the previous week’s match.
Bulldogs
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Josh Curran 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Liam Knight 17. Kitione Kautoga 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Toby Sexton 21. Bailey Hayward 22. Chris Patolo 23. Poasa Faamausili
Roosters Look to Bounce Back After Disappointing Defeat
On the other hand, the Roosters delivered a lackluster performance against the Panthers (sans Nathan Cleary) last week, suffering a narrow 22-16 defeat that didn’t accurately reflect their struggle. Adding to the frustration, the bunker made an error by disallowing Joey Manu’s try for obstruction, only for Graham Annesley to acknowledge on Monday that it should have been awarded. What a shambles.
The Roosters were battered and outclassed all over the park and only scored their first try in the 39th minute.
Having secured convincing victories against the Broncos and Rabbitohs this season, the Roosters demonstrate their prowess when operating at full throttle. However, mirroring trends from recent seasons, their performance is marred by mistakes and a lack of discipline, proving costly once again.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley , 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May, 18. Michael Jennings 19. Egan Butcher 20. Fetalaiga Pauga 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Siua Wong
Referee Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Kasey Badger, Clayton Wills, Bunker. Todd Smith
Key Matchup Statistics
The Bulldogs have won only two of their past eight games at Accor Stadium.
The Roosters have won nine of their past 10 games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has scored seven tries in nine games at Accor Stadium.
Roosters captain James Tedesco has scored 13 tries in 10 games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau has scored five tries in his past seven games against the Roosters.
Prediction
It’s important here for the Roosters to make a statement if they want to play finals footy later in the season. Also the Dogs need to find a half back and stop dumb mistakes. They should have won last week, against the Rabbits, but dropped every thing. The Chooks should win this.
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