Expert
The Canterbury Bulldogs play the Wests Tigers for the second time this season, after the Dogs’ 1-point victory in Round 4. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEST) for live coverage.
Despite a win against Manly last Friday night, the Bulldogs aren’t playing footy worthy of their fifth place on the ladder, although the club’s injury toll is making life very hard.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have had a frustrating season so far, surrendering a number of good starts. Last week was yet another example as they came up short after racing away to a 22-0 lead against the Canberra Raiders before losing 30–22.
This was just a couple of weeks after the Tigers surrendered an 18-point lead against their opponents for tonight to go down in golden point 25–24.
In team news the Bulldogs welcome back State of Origin centre Josh Morris and Kiwi prop Sam Kasiano, with Moses Mbye coming back from injury to grab a spot on an extended bench. Herman Ese’ese drops out of the side, as does Antonio Kaufusi for Tim Browne.
For the Wests Tigers Matt Lodge replaces the injured Keith Galloway on the bench, with Ava Seumanufagai starting in the front row.
With the Bulldogs’ injury and suspension toll still incredibly high it is essential that incumbent New South Wales Origin halves Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson find some form. Since that controversial clash against the Rabbitohs on Good Friday the Bulldogs have arguably had the worst fifth tackle options in the comp. If the Bulldogs are to pose a serious threat to the Tigers then these two must stand up and guide their attack.
The Tigers will look to start fast as they did against the Bulldogs last time, but from there youngsters Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks and James Tedesco, as well as captain Robbie Farah, must keep a grip on the game and not let the other side back in. Regardless these four will be the ones to watch, as they pose a massive risk in attack.
Prediction
Despite a win against the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend the Bulldogs just don’t look threatening enough to put enough points up against the Tigers.
Tigers by 12.
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