NRL, ROUND 20, JULY 15th, 2023 BRISBANE BRONCOS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
BELMORE SPORTS GROUND,SYDNEY
Get ready for an electrifying clash as two rugby league powerhouses, the Brisbane Broncos and the Canterbury Bulldogs, prepare to face off in a highly anticipated NRL Round 20 encounter. The action will unfold at the iconic Belmore Sports Ground in Sydney on July 15th, 2023.
This game carries immense significance for both teams, making it a must-watch for fans and pundits alike. The Bulldogs’ faithful will be out in full force, paying tribute to club legend Josh Reynolds, who recently announced his retirement. Reynolds will bid farewell to the game in the NSW Cup match against the Bears earlier in the day, setting the stage for an emotionally charged atmosphere.
The Canterbury Bulldogs enter the game with cautious optimism, fueled by their impressive victory over the Rabbitohs in their last outing. Despite a demoralizing 0-66 loss to the Knights, the Bulldogs bounced back and stunned their opponents with a hard-fought 36-32 triumph. The addition of new halfback Toby Sexton, who had a stellar club debut, brought balance to the team and allowed Matt Burton to unleash his natural running game as a five-eighth.
While there’s a possibility of star forward Viliame Kikau returning early from a torn pectoral, his inclusion in the squad is yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs are determined to ride the wave of their recent success and deliver another impressive performance against the high-flying Broncos.
On the other side of the field, the Brisbane Broncos find themselves in a precarious position, aiming to avoid a repeat of last season’s late-season collapse that saw them miss out on the finals. Cracks have already started to appear, with a loss to the Titans followed by a nervy 24-16 victory over the struggling Dolphins.
With rising star Reece Walsh suspended and their forward pack facing injury woes, the Broncos must summon their best form to come out on top in what promises to be an emotional day at the Bulldogs’ spiritual home. Unfortunately, Corey Oates will miss his 200th game due to a knee injury, dealing a blow to the Broncos’ attacking options. The winger’s absence will require the team to dig deep and showcase resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, the Broncos have a challenging run of games against formidable opponents like the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Cowboys, Eels, Raiders, and Storm. With no room for error, they are eyeing a top-four finish and seeking redemption for last year’s disappointing fadeout.
However, the Bulldogs can draw inspiration from their recent triumph and the energy of the sell-out crowd. If they can replicate their impressive performance from the previous week, they have every chance of causing an upset against their higher-ranked opponents.
As anticipation reaches fever pitch for this titanic clash, fans can expect a pulsating display of skill, passion, and determination from both sides. Get ready for a thrilling contest that is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Bulldogs team: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Blake Wilson 3. Braidon Burns 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 11. Jackson Topine 12. Jacob Preston 13. Corey Waddell 14. Kyle Flanagan 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Tevita Pangai Junior 17. Jayden Okunbor 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Jeral Skelton 21. Reece Hoffman 22. Paul Alamoti 23. Chris Patoloon 21. Reece Hoffman 22. Paul Alamoti 23. Chris Patolo
Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Billy Walters 10. Corey Jensen 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Jesse Arthars 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Patrick Carrigan 20. Jock Madden 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Jordan Pereira
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
PREDICTION.
The Broncos need to be very weary with this game with suspensions and Origin, plus injuries to key players, the Dogs will be looking at an upset. New half back Toby Sexton has made a huge difference giving Burton time to play more direct.
Broncos 1-12 @$ 2.90 is tasty!!
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