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The Canterbury Bulldogs are looking to regain some form against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Join us on The Roar from 7:50pm (AEST) for live coverage.
The Bulldogs have been in and around the top four for most of the season, but their last two weeks have been costly losses to the Broncos and Cowboys, making it likely they’ll be playing for their lives in finals Week 1.
Their usual consistent play has been replaced by stuttering, error-riddled efforts that have put the Dogs in a slump at the worst possible time of the year.
They also go into this game without Sam Kasiano, who is serving the last of his two-game suspension for kicking Corey Parker’s face in the loss to Brisbane. Kasiano’s absence has highlighted a lack of dynamism in a side that depends on grinding forward action and efficient play in the backline.
Canterbury need to pull their socks up before the finals start. Their effort was deplorable last week at their spiritual home of Belmore, even when handed the advantage of playing a Cowboys side that was coming off five days’ rest, interstate travel, and unconvincing form.
Souths have run into form but it’s all too late for season 2016. The Bunnies have won three on the trot, including impressive wins against Cronulla and the Warriors across the ditch. They also led the Storm in Melbourne in the 80th minute before going down in golden point.
Michael Maguire has spent the second half of 2016 preparing for next year and beyond, ironing out errors and coming to a line-up he’s most comfortable with.
The Bulldogs need to see more from Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye, who a month ago were combining well but are now half a second off the pace. The whole Dogs backline has gone cold of late and they can’t afford to have another low-scoring week heading into the eliminators.
South Sydney’s renewed form has been based on stopping errors – they made 12 in a half against the Broncos a few weeks ago – and consistent play from Adam Reynolds and hooker Damien Cook. Cook’s play might not be enough to keep him at Redfern though, with strong rumours sidelined Tiger Robbie Farah is about to sign with the Bunnies.
Prediction
The Bunnies’ pride will see them get the job done against a disappointing Bulldogs.
Souths by 8.
Join us from 7:50pm (AEST) for live coverage on The Roar!