Red-hot Brett Morris will be out to continue his stellar return to the NRL when Canterbury tackle the toughest away fixture in the competition on Thursday.
The Bulldogs head to Townsville to take on premiers North Queensland – a team which hasn’t lost at home since a 31-18 loss to South Sydney in August last year.
In Morris however the Bulldogs boast one of the most in-form players in the game, with the former NSW State of Origin star scoring seven tries in three matches since his return from a knee injury.
Morris’ return has coincided with a run which has lifted the Bulldogs into the NRL top four, level on points with the third-placed Cowboys.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler says no-one should be that surprised by how well the 29-year-old has returned to the game.
“Brett’s a seasoned professional. He’s worked really hard during his rehab status,” Hasler said.
The partnership with Brett’s twin brother Josh on the Bulldogs’ right wing will be crucial Hasler says if the Bulldogs are to come away with a fifth-straight win on Thursday.
“Given half a chance, they turn it into points,” Hasler said.
“That’s what you need and we’ll need that against the Cowboys, who defend particularly well on the edges.”
NSW duo David Klemmer and Josh Jackson come into the Bulldogs line-up in place of Asipeli Fine and Tim Browne, who will start from the interchange bench.
The Cowboys also welcome back their Origin contingent with Matt Scott, James Tamou, Johnathan Thurston, Justin O’Neill and Gavin Cooper all named by coach Paul Green.
Michael Morgan also returns from a knee injury, while suspended winger Kyle Feldt will be replaced by Javid Bowen.
Green said the Bulldogs have threats across the park but the Morris twins were clearly a concern given their recent form.
“The Morris boys are getting a good combo back. They’ve scored a few tries in recent weeks,” Green said.
“They’ll test all of us.”
Cowboys vs Bulldogs – Key match stats
– Canterbury’s 21 wins from 33 matches against the Cowboys is their highest winning percentage against any team.
– The Bulldogs have won three of their past four in Townsville and 12 from 16 overall at the venue.
– Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo has been a revelation this season, averaging 162 metres and 15 hit ups a game in 2016.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Sorry doggies fans. But I reckon Reynolds is the one brainfart waiting to happen which will make the difference. Going to be a cracker though. Either it'll be close or a JT masterclass.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Just trying to encourage the change!!! It's tough tipping with the head...it should be a tight game either way.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Sounds great Maxy,enjoy mate-tonight we'll find out where we're heading......I have a feeling it's towards the GF!
MAX
Guest
Got a good feeling about tonight. Simple plan...Control the two JT's and score every try under the posts.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Yes,Doggies to spring an ambush!
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Why Boo? I'm changing my tip! Usually the only time I consider tipping against the dogs is versus the Bronco's who seem to have the wood on us.
steveng
Roar Rookie
The Dogs by 10 for mine.
Johnybulldog
Guest
Can't wait TB should be a cracker
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good litmus test for the Dogs. They've finally got some consistency and have strung four wins together but they've been against the Dragons, Broncos, Roosters and Tigers. They cruised against the Dragons, had a very tough, high quality first half against the Broncos before running away with the game in the second. The Roosters was a tough hitout - particularly in the forwards - with the Dogs going from 12-0 down to 24-12 in front through a big middle 50 minutes of the game. They came back three times against the Tigers who were without Farah, Woods and Tedesco. So it's been a solid four wins but without setting the world on fire. The Cowboys will be a good test of exactly where we stand.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Boooo...!!!
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
"The Bulldogs have won three of their past four in Townsville and 12 from 16 overall at the venue." Hmm, I tipped the Cowboys, but maybe I need to go with the Dogs.