FRIDAY, APRIL 18th, 2025
BULLDOGS v RABBITOHS ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY 4:05pm
70,000 Fans Expected as Bulldogs Face Rabbitohs in Good Friday Classic
For rugby league fans, this year’s Good Friday is shaping up to be a must-watch event. A crowd of around 70,000 is expected to pack Accor Stadium for the blockbuster clash between the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs.
The Bulldogs are flying high in 2025, sitting undefeated at the top of the ladder with a 5-0 record. Meanwhile, Wayne Bennett’s return has breathed new life into the Rabbitohs, who have won four of their six matches to sit fifth on the table.
The Good Friday showdown has become a marquee fixture since 2015, when South Sydney edged out Canterbury 18-17 thanks to a late penalty against James Graham for making contact with Adam Reynolds’ legs. Graham’s furious protest toward referee Gerard Sutton remains one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry.
Although the Rabbitohs have won the past six Good Friday clashes, Cameron Ciraldo’s Bulldogs — riding a wave of early-season momentum — are hot favourites to end that streak and continue their perfect start to the year.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Jack Todd 17. Bailey Hayward Reserves: 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Blake Wilson 21. Jake Turpin 22. Lipoi Hopoi 23. Viliame Kikau
Rabbitohs
1. Jye Gray 2. Campbell Graham 3. Euan Aitken 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass, 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Cody Walker 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner Bench: 14. Lewis Dodd 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale Reserves: 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Salesi Ataata 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Declan Casey 22. Joshua Schuster
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: David Munro, Phil Henderson, Bunker, Ashley Klein
Key Stats
- The Bulldogs have conceded 14 points in their past three games.
- The Rabbitohs have won their last six Good Friday games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has scored 11 tries in 12 games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Latrell Mitchell has won 11 consecutive games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs require one try for 1,000 tries at Accor Stadium.
Unstoppable Bulldogs Set to Test Rabbitohs in Packed Accor Stadium
The Bulldogs had a bye last round, giving them a valuable chance to freshen up and focus on getting some of their injured stars back on track. In contrast, the Rabbitohs were caught off guard and suffered a surprise loss to the Cowboys.
This Good Friday clash is shaping up to be one of the season’s marquee matchups, with a crowd of around 70,000 expected to pack Accor Stadium and create an electric atmosphere.
While the Bulldogs are still unbeaten, it feels like a loss could be just around the corner. However, given their current momentum, it’s hard to see the Rabbitohs being the team to stop them.
Dolphins v Storm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 8:00pm
Dolphins Seek to Prove Themselves Against Storm’s Explosive Attack
After a tough start to the season with four consecutive losses, the Dolphins have bounced back with two straight wins and are now finding their rhythm. Their next challenge comes in the form of the high-flying Melbourne Storm, where their true credentials will be tested.
In their last match, under the guidance of coach Kristian Woolf, the Dolphins delivered an impressive 5-try victory over 2024 champions Penrith. They will carry that momentum into this clash with the Storm, who have scored a combined 90 points over their last two matches.
Friday night at Suncorp Stadium promises to be an exciting spectacle, with the Dolphins’ speedsters like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, and Jake Averillo facing off against Melbourne’s powerful lineup, including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, and Xavier Coates.
The forward battle will also be a highlight, as Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert, and Felise Kaufusi look to dominate against the Storm’s Stefano Utoikamanu, Josh King, and Eliesa Katoa. This clash in the trenches could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the match.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath Bench: 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr Reserves: 18. Ray Stone 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Francis Molo 22. Junior Tupou
Storm Shake-Up: Hughes Returns, Fa’alogo Debuts in NRL
Good news for the Storm. Jahrome Hughes, who missed the second half of last Sunday’s match due to a shoulder injury, is set to play in this week’s game. Sua Fa’alogo will make his first NRL appearance of the season, playing on the wing, while Grant Anderson shifts to the centre position. Moses Leo will miss the game due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, Will Warbrick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona remain sidelined due to ongoing concussion concerns.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick Reserves: 18. Joe Chan 19. Kane Bradley 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Stanley Huen 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Belinda Sharpe, Nick Pelgrave Bunker, Wyatt Raymond
Key Stats
- The Dolphins have won three of their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Storm have scored 102 points in three wins against the Dolphins.
- Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored four tries in his past two games.
- Storm winger Grant Anderson has scored five tries in his past four games.
- Dolphins prop Josh Kerr will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Dolphins Face Tough Test Against Storm’s Full Force
The Dolphins have seemingly turned their season around with back-to-back wins, including a confidence-boosting victory over last year’s champions, Penrith. On the other hand, the Storm continued their dominant form, overpowering the Warriors in the first half at AAMI Park, before cruising through the second half. Craig Bellamy will be looking for a full 80-minute performance from his side this week, which will pose a significant challenge to the Dolphins’ momentum.
Check out the exciting Saturday match here!
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