APRIL 21st 2024 ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY
Key Matchup in NRL Round 7
While it’s still early in the season, the upcoming clash between the Bulldogs and Knights at Accor Stadium on Sunday could have significant implications for both teams’ trajectories this year.
Both teams find themselves languishing in the bottom four and are coming off respective two-point defeats last week, with the Knights falling 22-20 to the Roosters, and Bulldogs going down 16-14 on the road to Melbourne.
Newcastle absolutely annihilated Canterbury in their two meetings last season, prevailing 42-6 and 66-0 – but this is looking like a much-improved Bulldogs outfit for 2024.
Last week, the Bulldogs came close to pulling off what would have been the upset of the season, despite Josh Addo Carr’s impressive hat-trick not being sufficient to secure the victory.
Bulldogs Show Promise Despite Narrow Defeats
A quality halfback would have made the difference for the Dogs, but Drew Hutchison isn’t a genuine No. 7, and too often stifles the attack with his lack of speed and direction.
On the plus side for the Bulldogs, prized recruit Viliame Kikau has been one of the best players in the competition and has been menacing down a left edge that is starting to fire.
Bulldogs Line-up: Taaffe Returns as Tracey Retains Fullback Position
Ciraldo brings back Blake Taaffe to the team, opting to maintain speedster Connor Tracey at fullback. Additionally, Kurtis Morrin’s return from suspension adds welcomed energy off the bench for the Doggies..
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Samuel Hughes 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Chris Patolo 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Josh Curran 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Blake Taaffe 19. Toby Sexton 20. Liam Knight 21. Jake Turpin 22. Max King 23. Kitione Kautoga
Meanwhile, the Knights seem to be relying too much on Kalyn Ponga – they started and finished their match against the Roosters on fire, but were completely lost in the middle stages when the star fullback was nursing an injury.
If Ponga isn’t performing at his peak, doubts linger regarding whether Jackson Hastings and Jack Cogger possess enough dynamism to guide the Knights to victory against formidable opponents.
The Knights have hardly set the game alight this year and have some serious injuries to deal with. While both have been named, Dane Gagai is almost certainly out, while Kalyn Ponga has hardly been able to walk and will only play if needled-up.
Knights Unchanged for Round 7 Despite Injury Concerns
Coach O’Brien has rewarded his men’s recent gutsy efforts by naming an unchanged line up for round 7.
The Knights will continue to miss forward Tyson Frizell due to his persistent hamstring problem, while Adam Elliot will mark his 150th NRL appearance.
Focus on Kai Pearce-Paul as Knights Gear Up to Face Bulldogs
Last weekend, the spotlight was on Kai Pearce-Paul, with the English forward demonstrating leadership in the forward line.
Keep an eye out for him as he’s set to engage in a showdown with the Doggies’ pack.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Brodie Jones 20. Tyson Gamble 21. David Armstrong 22. Thomas Jenkins
Knights have lost their last three away games
Knights have seen three games this season decided by two points or less
Bulldogs have seen their last three games decided by four points or less
Josh Addo-Carr scored a hat-trick last week & has scored 21 tries in 22 games at Accor
Bradman Best has scored a try in his last four games vs Bulldogs & scored last week vs Roosters.
Canterbury have started to show some significant improvement and against a Knights team that is not nearly as good as advertised, can reel in a rare win.
It’s indeed surprising to witness the Bulldogs as underdogs on their home turf against Newcastle in this matchup.
The Bulldogs have consistently shown resilience in every game this season, displaying commendable performances. Despite narrowly losing to Souths and Melbourne and clinching a tight victory against the Roosters, they’ve demonstrated defensive solidity. Moreover, they’ve adapted their offensive strategy, moving away from slow block plays to provide their talented players with more early ball, although they still lack some finesse in attack.
Marzhew’s Impact and Bulldogs’ Defensive Strategy
Greg Marzhew has 23 tries in 25 games since joining the Knights and should be able to score against Canterbury’s porous right edge.
Referees: Peter Gough; Side line Officials: Clayton Wills, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;
Prediction
Massive game for both teams and it should be tight, with the Knights already seeing three games this season decided by two points or less, while the Dogs’ last three outings have been decided by four points or less. I will be looking for a points start as this could be close.
I like the Dogs with a 7.5 points start
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