THURSDAY 24TH APRIL 2025 Suncorp Stadium Brisbane ７：５０pm
Broncos Aim for Revival Against Bulldogs After Back-to-Back Losses
The NRL season rolls past Easter and into the Anzac Day long weekend, bringing with it a host of blockbuster matchups for fans to enjoy. Kicking things off are the undefeated Bulldogs taking on a Broncos side desperate to bounce back. On Anzac Day itself, the traditional clash between the Roosters and Dragons will headline the action. Then over the weekend, the Panthers face the Sea Eagles on Saturday, followed by a high-stakes showdown between the Raiders and Dolphins on Sunday.
Round 8 begins with the Broncos hosting the Bulldogs in what shapes as a crucial clash. After back-to-back losses, Brisbane will be eager to turn things around against one of the form teams of the competition.
With the match taking place at their home ground, Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos will be hoping the support of their home fans can help spark a revival. They were outplayed by the Roosters last week, and then fell just short in golden point against the Warriors.
Star fullback Reece Walsh is sidelined with a knee injury, so Selwyn Cobbo will shift to the back, with Deine Mariner coming in on the wing. Meanwhile, Brendan Piakura returns to the bench after serving a two-game suspension for a high tackle, adding some extra firepower to the Broncos’ line-up.
Broncos
1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Billy Walters , 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Cory Paix , 15. Corey Jensen 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Tyson Smoothy , 19. Martin Taupau 20. Jock Madden 21. Josiah Karapani 22. Benjamin Te Kura
Out: Reece Walsh (fullback)
In: Deine Mariner (wing), Brendan Piakura (bench), Martin Taupau (reserve), Jock Madden (reserve), Josiah Karapani (reserve), Benjamin Te Kura (reserve)
Changes: Selwyn Cobbo (wing to fullback), Tyson Smoothy (bench to reserve)
Bulldogs Eye Seventh Straight Win After Historic Shutouts
The Bulldogs etched a new chapter in club history by recording back-to-back shutouts against the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs. Riding that momentum, they head into this away clash full of confidence and belief in their rock-solid defence.
They’ve conceded just 14 points across their last four games, showcasing one of the most disciplined defensive units in the league. And with the Broncos missing star fullback Reece Walsh, the Bulldogs will be looking to keep things tight once again.
There’s minimal change to the side that defeated the Rabbitohs, with the only swap seeing Harry Hayes come onto the bench in place of Jack Todd, who is sidelined long-term with a fractured arm. Daniel Suluka-Fifita remains listed as the 18th man. The Bulldogs are chasing their seventh straight win — something they haven’t achieved since 2014.
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. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Blake Wilson 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Lipoi Hopoi 23. Luke Smith
Out: Jack Todd (bench)
In: Harry Hayes (bench), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (reserve), Blake Wilson (reserve), Blake Taaffe (reserve), Lipoi Hopoi (reserve), Luke Smith (reserve)
Referee: Gerard Sutton, Touch Judge: Chris Sutton, Bunker, Adam Gee
Key Stats
- The Broncos have won five of their past six games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs are aiming for seven consecutive wins for the first time since 2014.
- Broncos winger Jesse Arthars has scored nine tries in seven games in 2025.
- Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds requires 15 points to overtake Bulldogs legend Hazem El Masri and move to second on the all-time premiership point scorers list.
Bulldogs Face Their Toughest Test Yet Against Gritty Broncos
The Broncos were comprehensively beaten by the Warriors, but showed resilience by clawing their way back to level the scores right before fulltime. However, their momentum was short-lived, as a costly error from the kick-off in golden point extra time handed them a heartbreaking defeat.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were in complete control against the Rabbitohs on Good Friday, cruising to a dominant win and extending their impressive winning streak.
This upcoming clash shapes as the biggest test yet for the unbeaten Bulldogs this season. The Broncos have a powerful forward pack and experienced halves who can unleash their explosive backs if they get on the front foot.
That said, Brisbane have struggled with consistency and cohesion across the park this year. In contrast, the Bulldogs are playing as a well-drilled unit — relentless in defence and clinical in attack, often capitalising on opponents who begin to fade late in the game.
All signs point to this being one of the standout matches of the round.
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