3:00 pm SATURDAY AUGUST 17th 2024 SALTER OVAL BUNDABERG QLD
Bulldogs Host Dolphins at Salter Oval for Crucial Clash
After winning five of their last six matches, the Bulldogs have their blue and white army dreaming of September as they aim to keep the momentum going against Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins.
Bulldogs Take Home Game to Bundaberg
The Bulldogs have opted to take their home game to Salter Oval in Bundaberg, where a lively crowd, including a strong contingent of Canterbury faithful, will be eager to support the momentum built by Stephen Crichton and his team.
In my opinion, Crichton, along with Kyle Flanagan, should have been charged last weekend for a facial rub with his head.
Bulldogs’ Return to Finals Contention
The last time the Bulldogs played finals footy was in 2016, and they haven’t finished higher than 11th in the seven seasons since. However, in 2024, there’s something special brewing at Belmore, and a top-four finish is well within reach.
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’ Historic Push for Finals Spot
The Dolphins are aiming to make history with their first-ever finals appearance, and Sean O’Sullivan’s golden point heroics on Sunday secured their spot inside the top eight after Round 23.
With upcoming clashes against the Bulldogs and Storm, the Dolphins have a prime opportunity to make a strong statement against two contenders before wrapping up the season with matches against the Broncos and Knights.
Dolphins Face Tough Road to Finals
The Dolphins are battling to make history with their sights set on their first NRL finals appearance after joining the competition last year. Sean O’Sullivan’s clutch two-point field goal in golden point against the Warriors secured the Dolphins a spot in the top eight at the end of Round 23. The Dolphins have a slightly uphill battle to end the season, playing the Bulldogs, Storm, Broncos, and Knights.
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, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Michael Wise, Bunker. Liam Kennedy.
Referee Controversies and Rule Changes
Do not ask me about the officials. After watching the Panthers v Storm game last night, I do not know the rules any more, and neither does the general public. Cooper Cronk was on commentary, a player who played about 372 games, I believe, and he called the Storms first try a, NO TRY, due to obstruction. Wrong Cooper, The Bunker knows more than you. Not only this game, but almost every game the officials are terrible.
EXAMPLE. I always though the play maker rakes the ball back with his foot. Please tell me when this last happened. They just roll it back without touching the ball with their foot. Play on . So how can you decide to overlook one rule and not another.
Key Player Stats and Milestones
The Bulldogs have won nine consecutive home games.
Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has successfully kicked 28 consecutive goals.
The Bulldogs have won only two of their last nine games in Queensland.
Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored five tries in his last five games.
Prediction.
Right now the Bulldogs are on a winning roll and are red hot favourites, but I don’t want to totally count the Dolphins out. If the Dolphins can put up a fight for the entire 80 minutes, it could be a close game in the end. I am a huge Dolphins fan and hate the Dogs, so I will stay with the Dolphins. Dogs will win but as I dislike them I would never back them.
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