SATURDAY AUGUST 10th 2024 7:35pm NETSTRATA JUBILEE STADIUM SYDNEY
Dragons Look to Build on Home Advantage Against Bulldogs
St George Illawarra fans have turned out in full force, selling out Kogarah Oval ahead of their crucial match against the Canterbury Bulldogs this Saturday. This game could have significant implications for the Dally M Coach of the Year award.
After the amazing scenes at Belmore last Sunday, the Dragons faithful have gotten the message and are getting behind their team as they look to break 20,000 at Kogarah for the first time since 2009. The Dragons have been a hit and miss side this season for mine, in one breath they are beating Penrith in Penrith and Melbourne in Melbourne (breaking a 25 year drought to do so). Then in the next, they are conceding 100 points in two games to the Roosters and losing to a Manly side who had no fresh reserves for 50 minutes. Shane Flanagan knows how to fight and put his team in a position to win, but against Canterbury, achieving that goal may be easier said than done.
Bulldogs’ Defense and Key Matchups for Saturday’s Showdown
If there’s any team that have been more tenacious than the Dragons, it’s the Bulldogs as they have been a top five defensive team in the competition. St George Illawarra will need to create second phase to get past the Dogs and utilise Ben Hunt’s kicking game. Canterbury has conceded several tries from kicks this season, and with Hunt orchestrating play, the Dragons have a clear opportunity to capitalize on this weakness. To succeed, they must also manage the work of the Bulldogs’ back three coming out of their own end and match the intensity of Canterbury’s bench, which has been a significant factor in recent matches. Both teams have named the same line up for this clash.
Canterbury Bulldogs: On Track for a Top-Four Finish
For the Dogs, they are on track in a big way. They haven’t completely ruled out a top-four finish, especially considering the Sharks’ current injury woes. With a chance to sneak into the top ranks, Cam Ciraldo’s defensive culture from his time at Penrith is starting to take hold. The experience of players like Stephen Crichton is proving invaluable, helping to guide this relatively young team towards the top.
Crichton has been the right choice as captain, further driving Ciraldo’s standards on the field and you can see the impact he has within the playing group.
The Dragons pulled off one of the season’s biggest upsets by ending a 25-year drought in Melbourne with a win over the Storm. Now, they aim to disrupt the momentum of the top-five Bulldogs.
Dragons and Bulldogs Line-ups
Back in Sydney, St George Illawarra’s victory has propelled them back into the top eight. However, they face a tough battle to maintain their spot, starting with a challenging clash against a Canterbury side brimming with confidence after winning four of their last five matches.
Dragons
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin, 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Hame Sele, 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Mathew Feagai, 19. Michael Molo 20. Lyhkan King-Togia 21. Jack Bird 22. Connor Muhleisen
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. Lipoi Hopoi 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Harry Hayes 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Jack Underhill, 21. Blake Wilson 22. Poasa Faamausili 23. Drew Hutchison
Referee. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Todd Smith, Bunker, Liam Kennedy;
Injury Updates and Key Stats
In last week’s win over the Raiders, captain Stephen Crichton and winger Josh Addo-Carr both scored doubles in their return from injury. Jaeman Salmon, recovering from a broken jaw, is not expected to return until Round 25. Forward Max King remains sidelined with a wrist fracture.
For the Dragons, Mat Feagai, who has been under concussion protocols, is set to be available for this crucial game. The Bulldogs will be pushing for a top-four spot with a win.
The Dragons have won five of their last seven home games.
Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored eight tries in five games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have lost three of their last four games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau will mark his 150th NRL game.
Dragons second-rower Jaydn Su’A has scored four tries in his last three games.
Prediction.
The Bulldogs continue to secure victories with their rock-solid defense, a trait the Dragons have also shown at times this season. However, their challenge remains consistency.
This match promises to be a fierce contest that could see the Bulldogs move into the top four, or the Dragons solidify their spot in the top eight based on more than just points differential.
Canterbury has won three of the last four clashes against the Dragons and leads the head-to-head 28-17 since 1998. However, they haven’t beaten the Dragons at Kogarah since 2018.
If the Bulldogs bring the same intensity they displayed at Suncorp two weeks ago, it will be a challenging task for the Red V. Nevertheless, the Dragons will be eager to deliver a strong performance at home.
I am going with the Dogs.
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