4:05 pm SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15th 2024 ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY
A Sunday Afternoon Clash in Rugby League’s Heartland
Sunday afternoon in the heartland of Rugby League – where else would you rather be?
The Canterbury Bulldogs play finals football for the first time in nearly a decade as they take on the Manly Sea Eagles from Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Bulldogs’ Attack Revitalized by Midseason Surge
Enjoying one of the best runs of the competition in the second half of the season, the Bulldogs’ attack has been reinvigorated by Connor Tracey and Toby Sexton, offering crucial support to Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton. While the Bulldogs fell by the wayside in the last two weeks with losses to the Cowboys and Manly, they come into this game knowing that they’ve got what it takes to go against the best.
We anticipate the Bulldogs will target Manly’s edge defense early, putting pressure on Tolutau Koula and Karl Lawton in the opening stages. Additionally, Jacob Kiraz is likely to be a key target for deep last-tackle kicks in attacking sets.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Matt Burton 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. Lipoi Hopoi
Sea Eagles Primed with Finals Experience
The Sea Eagles have faced their share of struggles in 2024, losing Tom Trbojevic twice this season along with several other key players during the representative period. Despite unexpected defeats to the Tigers and Sharks in the last three weeks, they enter this clash as favourites, bolstered by their extensive finals experience and the return of Tom Trbojevic.
Daly Cherry-Evans will aim to steer his team to another finals victory, building on their win against the Bulldogs just two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Tom Trbojevic will be lurking around the middle, looking to exploit the Bulldogs’ forwards—a thrilling prospect for Manly fans.
Key Changes for Both Sides
On the Bulldogs’ side, Josh Addo-Carr has stepped down this week amid an investigation, with Jeral Skelton stepping into the starting lineup. Bronson Xerri and Matt Burton return for the Bulldogs after being humbled last week, while Blake Taaffe has been named as the 18th man.
Tom Trbojevic’s return sees Tolu Koula shift to center, Tommy Talau move to the wing, and Clayton Faulolo drop to the reserves for the Sea Eagles. In a notable milestone, Luke Brooks will finally make his finals debut in his 231st NRL game, a small victory in itself.
Manly
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Tommy Talau 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate, 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Clayton Faulalo 20. Toafofoa Sipley
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Phil Henderson, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Finals Milestones and Head-to-Head Records
The Bulldogs haven’t won a finals match since 2015.
The Sea Eagles have dominated recent encounters, winning 10 of their last 11 games against the Bulldogs.
However, the Bulldogs have a strong finals record against Manly, winning four of their five postseason matchups.
The Sea Eagles are set to play their 100th finals match.
Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney will reach a personal milestone with his 150th NRL appearance.
The Big Prediction: Manly’s Finals Experience Will Prove Too Strong
The game of week one is lucky last – with a Canterbury side full of experienced individual campaigners, but not as a team this deep into the season. There’s no denying the significant improvement the Bulldogs have made under Cameron Ciraldo, with smart recruitment playing a key role in their success this season. However, Manly is a team built for finals, with a wealth of September experience, having featured in the postseason more often than most sides in recent years. The experience of Daly Cherry Evans will prove just too much for the Dogs, who will come back next year to bite harder… but they won’t be barking on Sunday night.
I hope!!!
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