MARCH 22nd, 2024 BELMORE SPORTS STADIUM, SYDNEY
The Bulldogs and Titans are both in pursuit of their inaugural victory this season as they gear up to clash at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday.
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Quest for Redemption
Canterbury has an opportunity to pacify its disappointed fan base, discontented by the 0-2 start and a mere three tries scored across two weeks. Despite commencing the season with a winless record, Cameron Ciraldo’s squad exhibits promising indicators, and a home fixture at Belmore, cheered on by their faithful supporters, might just be the catalyst they need to break their streak since Round 22 last year. Canterbury’s performance against the Eels was marred by numerous errors, yet a glimpse of improvement surfaced in their encounter with the Sharks last week, particularly in the initial half.
Despite a disallowed try due to referee obstruction and Blake Wilson’s foot grazing the sideline as he crossed the corner, they showcased resilience in defense. However, the Bulldogs’ offense remains sluggish, foreseeable, and antiquated. Something simply needs to change there.
Titans’ Road to Redemption
Meanwhile, the Titans enjoyed the bye last week, but they were embarrassed in their season opener, losing 28-4 at home to the Dragons, who then went on to lose 38-0 to the Dolphins in Round 2.
No doubt Des Hasler would have been fuming with that effort and he would have hammered his team in the lead-up to this game against the club he coached to two Grand Finals, before a controversial departure.
The Titans couldn’t have timed their week off better, especially following their dismantling by the Dragons in Round 1.
The absence of veteran playmaker Kieran Foran just before kick-off undoubtedly contributed to their lack of composure and disjointed defense. Nonetheless, coach Des Hasler won’t entertain any excuses, regardless of who steps onto the field come Saturday night.
Team line-ups
Bulldogs
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Toby Sexton 21. Jake Turpin 22. Kitione Kautoga 23. Chris Patolo
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Jaimin Jolliffe 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Joe Stimson 19. Harley Smith-Shields 20. Jacob Alick 21. Thomas Weaver 22. Josiah Pahulu
Referees: Todd Smith;
Side line Officials: Kieren Irons, Nick Pelgrave;
Video Referees: Grant Atkins
Bulldogs and Titans: Key Matchup Insights
The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 11 games at Belmore Sports Ground.
The Titans hold a 12-11 advantage in head to head clashes with the Bulldogs since 2007, including a 34-30 victory at Cbus Super Stadium last year.
Titans centre Phillip Sami has scored a try in all five games he has played against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs prop Max King will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Prediction and Analysis
Which way will this game go ? Well your guess is as good as mine really.
To overcome the Titans, the Bulldogs must match them physically upfront, especially against formidable forwards like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Mo Fotuaika. If these two players are firing on all cylinders, it will be a daunting task for the Bulldogs’ pack to gain any forward momentum. In his 100th NRL game, expect Max King to raise his game. Although Matt Burton displayed versatility last week, he’ll need support from his half-back Drew Hutchison on the opposite side of the field. Last weekend, the attack faltered at critical moments, leading to breakdowns. Unfortunately, Poasa Fa’amasilli will miss this match due to a head-clash early in the previous game, with Liam Knight taking his place in the starting lineup and Josh Curran remaining on the interchange bench. Josh Addo-Carr is still a week away from returning.
For the Titans, there’s no disguising the disappointment of their first-round performance against the Dragons. Despite a competitive first half, they conceded four second-half tries, appearing outmatched and outplayed across all facets of the game. Coach Des Hasler undoubtedly pushed the team hard during the bye week to ensure they don’t suffer another letdown in Sydney.
While Kieran Foran’s absence was felt in the season opener, the Titans had numerous opportunities inside the Dragons’ 20-meter zone but struggled to convert, scoring only one try from a grubber. With Foran’s return, execution is expected to improve, but it also places pressure on the rest of the spine players to elevate their performance. Beau Fermor’s second game back in the NRL should see an improvement, but the Titans need better contributions in yardage and work rate from their forwards outside of Tino and Mo.
Predicting the outcome of this match is difficult. However, the Bulldogs have historically performed well at Belmore Sports Ground, suggesting they might prevail at their spiritual home despite recent poor form. It’s a crucial moment for them. Given the closeness of the contest, consider a points start from either side if betting.
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