6:00 pm FRIDAY AUGUST 30th 2024 ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY
- Two Rivals Collide Under Friday Night Lights at Accor Stadium
- Bulldogs Surge Toward Finals with Five-Game Winning Streak
- Kurt Mann’s Injury and Stephen Crichton’s Suspension Challenge Bulldogs
- Bulldogs’ Dominant Record at Accor Stadium Sets the Stage for a Big Clash
- Sea Eagles Look to Rebound After Shock Loss to Wests Tigers
- Key Player Stats and Predictions for Round 26 Clash
- Prediction
Two Rivals Collide Under Friday Night Lights at Accor Stadium
Two fierce rivals, ranked fifth and seventh, collide under the Friday night lights at Accor Stadium in a thrilling Round 26 showdown.
Bulldogs Surge Toward Finals with Five-Game Winning Streak
The Bulldogs, surging toward their first finals appearance since 2016, have won five consecutive games and are building serious momentum as they aim to break into the top four and secure a double chance.
Kurt Mann’s Injury and Stephen Crichton’s Suspension Challenge Bulldogs
A season-ending injury to lock Kurt Mann cast a shadow over the win in Auckland, but coach Cameron Ciraldo has the depth to minimize the impact. Jaeman Salmon, Kurtis Morrin, and Lipoi Hopoi are all in contention to step up and fill the void.
Similarly, a backline adjustment will be necessary with captain Stephen Crichton suspended for one match following his high tackle on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Bulldogs’ Dominant Record at Accor Stadium Sets the Stage for a Big Clash
The Bulldogs have established a dominant 7-1 record at Accor Stadium this season, and a huge crowd is expected for the first clash between these two sides since Round 26 last year.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Josh Addo-Carr 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. Eli Clark 20. Jack Underhill 21. Drew Hutchison 22. Blake Taaffe 23. Lipoi Hopoi
Sea Eagles Look to Rebound After Shock Loss to Wests Tigers
The Sea Eagles are reeling from a surprising loss to the Wests Tigers and will aim to bounce back swiftly as they prepare for their first finals appearance since 2021.
Centre Tommy Talau is set to return from a pectoral injury, giving Manly a much-needed boost, but they’ll be missing Corey Waddell, who received a two-game suspension for a high tackle against the Tigers.
Even considering the loss of three players to the sin bin at Leichhardt Oval, the Sea Eagles would have been deeply disappointed to concede six tries to the team at the bottom of the ladder. A repeat of those defensive lapses could allow the Bulldogs to run riot.
Manly
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Tolutau Koula 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Matthew Lodge , 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Karl Lawton 20. Jamie Humphreys 21. Clayton Faulalo 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Referee. Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen Belinda Sharpe, Bunker. Gerard Sutton
Key Player Stats and Predictions for Round 26 Clash
The Bulldogs are on a seven-game winning streak at Accor Stadium.
The Sea Eagles have triumphed in nine of their last 10 encounters with the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz has crossed the line seven times in his past seven games.
Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has racked up 12 tries in his last six games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr boasts 22 tries in 25 appearances at Accor Stadium.
Prediction
The Bulldogs maintained their strong season with a commanding win over the Warriors last week, while the Sea Eagles delivered a disappointing performance at Leichhardt Oval, falling to the Tigers. The Sea Eagles have bounce back ability about them, and surely Luke Brooks won’t be as fazed by playing at Accor Stadium. Still the Bulldogs have all the momentum going into this one and have proven previously that they can win without captain Stephen Crichton.
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