5:30 pm SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7th 2024 ACCOR STADIUM,SYDNEY
Bulldogs Look to Rebound After Stopping Streak
The Bulldogs’ momentum faltered last round, with Manly ending their five-game winning streak, leaving them eager to bounce back as they host the Cowboys.
Despite a strong start, the Bulldogs were undone by the Sea Eagles, who capitalized on their mistakes.
Cowboys Edge Out Storm in Tough Contest
Meanwhile, North Queensland secured a win but faced a tough challenge from a Storm side missing 11 regulars. They were ultimately steered to victory through the playmaking efforts of Tom Dearden and Reece Robson.
Departing winger and the club’s all-time leading try scorer, Kyle Feldt, added a double to secure a 38-30 victory.
Injuries and Suspensions Impact Bulldogs’ Lineup
This week, Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton returns after serving a one-match suspension, but the team will be without centre Bronson Xerri, who accepted a one-match ban following an early guilty plea for a Dangerous Contact charge.
Matt Burton is also sidelined due to a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) suffered last weekend.
Finals Preparation: Momentum and Home Advantage
With both teams set for finals action this year, they will be eager to head into the opening week with momentum on their side. A win will also secure home-ground advantage for the first week of the finals.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr , 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes , 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon ,14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin, 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran, 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Jack Underhill 21. Eli Clark 22. Lipoi Hopoi , 23. Jonathan Sua
LATE MAIL. The Bulldogs will unleash two debutants on the flanks, with Jeral Skelton and Josh Addo-Carr dropping out of the side at the 24-hour update. First gamers Eli Clark and Johnathan Sua will take their place.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi , 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo, 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Thomas Mikaele, 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame , 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Chad Townsend 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Tomas Chester
Referee. Gerard Sutton ,Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Michael Wise, Bunker, Grant Atkins
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
The Bulldogs have won 7 of their last 8 games at Accor Stadium.
The Cowboys have claimed victory in 6 of their last 8 encounters with the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have scored at least 22 points in six consecutive games.
Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes has amassed 44 points in his last 2 games.
Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 11 tries in 11 games against the Cowboys.
Match Preview and Prediction
The Bulldogs were overpowered by Manly’s robust forwards last week, while the Cowboys faced a tougher challenge than anticipated against a weakened Storm team. This game will provide insight into how far the Bulldogs can progress this season. I’d lean towards tipping the Bulldogs to rebound in this match, but Matt Burton’s absence is significant. The Cowboys will likely have noted the Sea Eagles’ tactics and be prepared to exploit any similar weaknesses.
Comments