Stop the props, stop North Queensland. That’s the view of Canterbury bookend Aidan Tolman as the Bulldogs head north to take on the Cowboys in Townsville, aiming to get their flagging NRL campaign back on track.
The Bulldogs have lost three of their last four matches including a 38-14 hiding by Wests Tigers before the representative break.
North Queensland however come into this match on a five-game winning run, coming on the back of improved form by former NSW and Australia prop James Tamou and continued excellence by his front-row partner at the Cowboys, Queensland State of Origin star Matt Scott.
Tolman says the go-forward the pair generate has been a key to the Cowboys’ form, enabling playmakers such as hooker Jake Granville, utility Rory Kostjasyn and star half Johnathan Thurston to dominate proceedings.
“They’ve got other guys that do a job but those two in particular, they’re Australian representatives… and the work they do is great for the team,” Tolman told the Bulldogs website.
“That’s (up front is) where the job’s got to be done this weekend.”
Boosting the Dogs’ hopes of completing that job will be the return of man mountain David Klemmer.
The two-metre tall, 120kg wrecking ball has been missing for the Bulldogs since his send off for dissent in the ugly scenes at the end of the Bulldogs’ loss to South Sydney in April.
“Klem is the guy you want to play next to,” Tolman said.
“He’s one of those players who always does the best he can and comes up with the big carry or big play when it matters most.”
A lot will also depend on how Moses Mbye handles five-eighth due to Josh Reynolds’ suspension and a match-up with former Bulldog Thurston, while the return of NSW back Josh Morris from an ankle injury is another boost.
The Cowboys have also been forced into a host of changes with Matthew Wright returning to replace Tautau Moga while Jason Taumalolo’s knee injury means John Asiata takes his spot at lock.
CAN THE BULLDOGS HARDEN UP THEIR EASILY SPLIT DEFENCE?
* The Bulldogs have scored more tries than any team in the NRL from linebreaks (24) and conceded the most from linebreaks (28) – The Cowboys have scored 23 from linebreaks (third best in the NRL)
* The Bulldogs and Cowboys are almost level when it comes to tries scored and conceded for the season – (Cowboys 30 scored – (3rd) , 31 conceded (13th) – Bulldogs 29 scored (6th), 30 conceded (11th )
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I'll 'fess up and admit what I said was a gee up. Just trying to create a bit of anticipation. Having said that it's in our backs that I have the least concern. The loss of Moga is a big problem but I think his replacement will be fine, providing he sticks to the plan which has been working well in recent weeks. Looking forward to this one, lots to prove for both sides, including bragging rights in my household with 'she who must be obeyed' being a staunch Doggies fan.
The eye
Guest
I think the dogs can get them tonight..to this eye Kasiano,Pritchard are far more dangerous right now than anything the Cowboys have,no Taumalolo,Coopers made 1 line break all year and Lowes attacking stats have gone right off..Dogs backs still look better than their opponents,as well..we'll see..
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Dogs have actually been okay at scoring points (before the injuries took out half the back line anyway), but they've been severely lacking in ball control.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
It's no secret to shutting down the Cowbies. The thing is though knowing it and being able to do it are two vastly different things. Sounds like a bit of Dessie misinformation thrown out for the chooks to feed from, a la Joh Bjelke, to take the pressure away from the Dogs inability to score points.