THURSDAY, MAY 22nd, 2025 ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY, 7.50pm
Bulldogs Brave the Odds to Defend Top Spot in Round 12 Clash with Dolphins
As Round 12 of the NRL season kicks off, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are set to defend their position at the top of the ladder in front of a home crowd — but they’ll have to do it the hard way.
Dubbed the comeback kings of 2025, the Bulldogs have captured the imagination of fans with back-to-back second-half surges, refusing to surrender even when behind. Their gritty determination has earned them more than just competition points — it’s given them belief.
However, Thursday night’s clash with the Dolphins will be their toughest test yet. Head coach Cameron Ciraldo is forced to shuffle the deck with a string of key players unavailable. Inspirational skipper Stephen Crichton, workhorse Max King and versatile lock Kurt Mann are all away on State of Origin duty. Adding to the challenge, strike winger Jacob Kiraz is sidelined for up to six weeks with a calf injury, while forward Daniel Suluka-Fifita misses out due to concussion protocols.
In their absence, the Bulldogs will unveil a fresh-faced lineup. Josh Curran returns from suspension to bolster the front row alongside Lipoi Hopoi. Blake Wilson takes up a spot on the wing, Bailey Hayward is promoted to starting lock, and Blake Taaffe is handed his first run-on start of the season at centre. On the bench, Jake Turpin and Sam Hughes are poised to make their club debuts in 2025 — and possibly leave their mark on a season already full of surprises.
Despite the upheaval, the Bulldogs remain focused on extending their winning run and proving once again that resilience, not reputation, defines this team.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Blake Taaffe 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Lipoi Hopoi 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Harry Hayes 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Luke Smith 19. Drew Hutchison 20. Jonathan Sua 21. Jack Underhill 22. Zyon Maiu’u 23. Mitchell Woods
Unavailable due to State of Origin I – Kurt Mann (QLD), Max King, Stephen Crichton (NSW)
Out: Jacob Kiraz (wing), Stephen Crichton (centre), Max King (front row), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (front row), Kurt Mann (lock)
In: Blake Wilson (wing), Blake Taaffe (centre), Josh Curran (front row), Jake Turpin (bench), Samuel Hughes (bench)
Changes: Bailey Hayward (bench to lock), Lipoi Hopoi (bench to front row)
Dolphins Out to Break Bulldogs Hoodoo and Reignite Season in Round 12
After a rollercoaster start to the 2025 NRL season, the Dolphins find themselves searching for consistency — and redemption — as they head into Thursday night’s showdown with the ladder-leading Bulldogs.
Kristian Woolfe’s side is still feeling the sting of a narrow defeat to the Warriors last weekend, a loss that highlighted both their fighting spirit and their need for sharper execution in the clutch moments. With the competition heating up, the Dolphins know there’s no time to dwell — especially against a team they’ve never managed to beat.
Since joining the NRL in 2023, the Dolphins have faced Canterbury twice and come away empty-handed both times. Now, in their third meeting, they’re determined to flip the script and make a statement.
Team changes will once again shape the story. With dynamic fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow away on Origin duty, Jake Averillo shifts to the No.1 jersey. Max Feagai is set to make his club debut in the centres, stepping into the spotlight on a night when fresh energy could make all the difference.
In the forward pack, Connelly Lemuelu earns a start following Tom Gilbert’s season-disrupting pectoral injury, while young gun Oryn Keeley is called up to the bench. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named in Queensland’s extended Origin squad, but all signs point to him running out on Thursday. Meanwhile, playmaker Sean O’Sullivan remains in the wings as 18th man.
With history, injuries, and Origin absences all in the mix, the Dolphins enter Round 12 with something to prove — and a chance to finally crack the Bulldogs’ code.
Dolphins
1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Harrison Graham 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Oryn Keeley 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Aublix Tawha 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Junior Tupou 22. Tevita Naufahu
Unavailable due to State of Origin I – Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (QLD), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (QLD – reserve)
Out: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (fullback), Tom Gilbert (second row)
In: Max Feagai (centre), Oryn Keeley (bench)
Changes: Jake Averillo (centre to fullback), Connelly Lemuelu (bench to second row)
Referees: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Dave Munro, Bunker, Adam Gee.
Key Stats
The Bulldogs have won all four home games this season.
The Dolphins have won only three out of 13 games at New South Wales venues.
The Bulldogs have a 50 percent winning record without captain Stephen Crichton.
Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth has scored a try in his last five games.
The Bulldogs have won five from six against Queensland teams in 2024-25.
Battle-Tested Bulldogs Brace for Unpredictable Dolphins in Potential Round 12 Upset
The Bulldogs have built their recent success on grit, heart, and a refusal to quit — coming from behind in back-to-back weeks to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Their rise to the top of the NRL ladder has been dramatic, but maintaining that momentum will be no easy feat on Thursday night.
Already stretched thin in the forward pack due to a string of injuries and suspensions, Canterbury now face an even greater challenge. With captain Stephen Crichton, enforcer Max King, and dependable Kurt Mann all called up for State of Origin duty, head coach Cameron Ciraldo is forced to rely on an untested lineup to hold the fort.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are a wildcard. Coming off a close loss to the Warriors, their form has fluctuated week to week — brilliant one moment, frustrating the next. But that unpredictability may be their greatest weapon. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Kristian Woolfe’s men could catch the Bulldogs off guard.
Given the Bulldogs’ heavy personnel toll and the Dolphins’ dangerous potential, this Round 12 opener may not follow the script — and an upset could be brewing under the Thursday night lights.
Back the Dolphins !!!!!!!!!
Check out Friday’s match here!
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