NRL, ROUND 22, JULY 30th, 2023 CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
SALTER OVAL, BUNDABERG, QLD
In Round 22 of the NRL season, an exciting clash awaits as the Canterbury Bulldogs take on the Redcliffe Dolphins at Salter Oval, Bundaberg, QLD. Both teams are eager to prove themselves, with one fighting to escape the dreaded 17th position and the other desperately vying for a spot in the top 8 and a chance at the finals.
The Bulldogs have been grappling with a challenging season, suffering consecutive defeats and conceding 44 points in each game since their impressive win against the Rabbitohs in Round 19. Currently positioned 16th on the ladder, they are fiercely competing in every match to steer clear of the wooden spoon.
Despite facing injuries that sidelined key players for an extended period, the Bulldogs welcome back a host of stars. Viliame Kikau returns after a pectoral injury, and representative winger Josh Addo-Carr is back in action following a hamstring strain. The return of Braidon Burns, Jacob Preston, and Toby Sexton bolsters their starting side, adding depth and experience.
On the other hand, the Redcliffe Dolphins, fresh off their final bye of the season, are determined to mount a late-season surge. Currently sitting 13th on the ladder, they are just one win away from the elusive top 8, but their for and against differential presents a challenge.
With a short but promising history, the Dolphins look to capitalize on their home advantage in Queensland. They have secured seven wins out of their 13 total games in the state, contrasting the Bulldogs’ struggle with only two victories in their previous 21 matches on QLD soil.
The Dolphins’ team dynamics see some significant changes. Jeremy Marshall-King returns from a persistent shoulder injury, forcing rookie Harrison Graham to the reserves. Meanwhile, Jarrod Wallace’s successful challenge to a Grade 1 Shoulder Charge allows him to start from the bench, adding to the Dolphins’ versatility.
The upcoming match promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams in different predicaments, both grappling with challenges in attack and defense throughout the season.
While the Bulldogs boast an impressive lineup of returning players, they find themselves nearing the end of a tough season. It remains to be seen if they can sustain their intensity for the entire game against a determined Dolphins side.
Although the Bulldogs may put up a strong fight for about 20 minutes, the Dolphins’ desperation to secure a spot in the final eight may prove to be the decisive factor. With more at stake, the Dolphins are likely to capitalize on their momentum and emerge victorious in a hard-fought contest.
In conclusion, fans can expect a gripping NRL Round 22 clash between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Redcliffe Dolphins. The game will showcase the determination of both teams to secure their positions on the ladder and the potential for thrilling action on the field.
As the Dolphins look to capitalize on their home turf and the Bulldogs aim to showcase their resurgence, this encounter is set to be a memorable one for NRL enthusiasts.
With referee Peter Gough and a skilled team of officials overseeing the match, we can anticipate a fair and thrilling contest. The Bulldogs’ lineup changes and the Dolphins’ renewed vigor add further intrigue to this showdown.
In this highly anticipated match, my prediction is that the Dolphins will emerge victorious, claiming a hard-fought win by a narrow margin (Dolphins 1-12). Let’s buckle up for an exhilarating display of NRL action!
Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Braidon Burns 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Kyle Flanagan 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Corey Waddell 17. Samuel Hughes 19. Jayden Okunbor 20. Harrison Edwards 21. Ryan Sutton 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Liam Knight
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Valynce Te Whare 5. Tesi Niu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Herman Ese’ese 15. Josh Kerr 16. Anthony Milford 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Isaiya Katoa 19. Harrison Graham 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Max Plath 22. Jack Bostock
Referees: Peter Gough; Side-line Officials: Nick Morel, Dan Munroe; Video Referees: Ben Cummins;
TIP. Both sides have struggled with both attack and defence throughout the season, and this will be an interesting game for each team. I think that the Dolphins have more fight left in them and have more to play for, with the desperation of making the final eight starting to hit them. The Bulldogs, despite the return of many key players for the round, are nearing the end of a challenging season, and I really only see them playing a strong 20 minutes and not being able to withhold against the Dolphins for the entirety of the game. Dolphins 1-12
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