Round 21 of the NRL season kicks off with the Canterbury Bulldogs hostnig the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:50pm (AEST).
The Bulldogs registered their fifth win of the season last weekend, a 16-4 victory over the lacklustre Tigers.
While the Bulldogs have struggled in attack all season, their work rate in defence was impressive last week and it is clear that the team is desperate to finish the season without the wooden spoon.
Danny Fualalo will start in place of the suspended David Klemmer, with Chris Smith to make his Bulldogs debut from off the bench.
As for Brisbane, after a large defeat to the Warriors, they have bounced back with a dismantling of the Panthers and a gritty last-round victory over the Sharks.
With their spot in the top eight seemingly assured, it’s now about determining the pecking order with only five rounds remaining.
The Broncos have named an unchanged 17, but expect Joe Ofahengaue to again start at the expense of Matt Lodge.
Prediction
The Broncos have too much riding on this one to let the two points go, but it will be tight.
Broncos by 2.
Big daddy
Guest
Regardless of the result the crowds must be a major concern but they insist on playing these Thursday night's where they are lucky to get 10k at the most. It shows the NRL have no understanding of public support.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Short drop outs are becoming more common. People are slowly taking notice of what Ipswich have been doing for years now. We just did it poorly, as Locky pointed out, the other Broncs just lazily run past the ball, so when Oats tapped it back there was no one there.
Matt H
Roar Guru
This was worse I believe. they were looking for the easy option the entire game. That short drop out was a classic example. Basically saying that they wanted to find an easy way out rather than commit to defending their line.
nearkurnell
Guest
I wouldn't be betting on them making the finals. They're pretty fragile at the moment and they do have a couple of tough games and they do have a couple of games away from Suncorp - a bit of a surge from Wests could see them sneak into 8th....
Emcie
Roar Guru
Sounds like you really needed that win then
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
What about the game against the Warriors?
Nico
Guest
At 6 wins and 4 losses, Brisbane's record against top 8 sides now mirrors their record against bottom 8 sides. Frustrating to watch given this Broncos side is packed with so much talent, but struggle with the psychological side of things too often drifting in and out of games
buttery
Roar Rookie
Was a pleasure to watch young Lewis, he seemed to have time to make his plays even when rushed by the Broncos defence just like his uncle, the King.
Graham
Guest
Its very difficult to get youth to be consistent. My prediction is for broncos to smash a team or 2 in the finals then go out with an insipid performance
Graham
Guest
One of the most dominant forwards in the comp how did it take him till he was 25 to get game time?
Forty Twenty
Guest
Young Lewis could run workshops on calmness and poise. The twins and Beastwood were poking their noses thru the line, good play but some soft defence. Gallen could shock a few teams if he starts passing a bit more come the finals like Jackson did tonight.
Forty Twenty
Guest
Young Lewis could run workshops on calmness and poise. The twins and Beastwood were poking their noses thru the line, good play but some soft defence.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Broncos are so inconsistent. They cant win the title
Matt H
Roar Guru
I’m thinking that was the worst I’ve seen from the Broncos for a long, long time
The Barry
Roar Guru
It’s not that mate...you don’t go into hiding when you’re on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Anyway, I’ve gotta hit the sack...root canal done on Monday on a broken and infected tooth and an early start tomorrow to get to the ski fields...! Good times !
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
No disrespect to Josh Jackson Baz. Agree that he was really stiff to lose his spot in the NSW. I think he was the victim of the clean sweep mentality by the selectors to start afresh - but like the decision to drop Ferguson who could and should have been picked on form.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Doggies were good tonight, played us off the park. We were insipid. There is no way we make it past week two of the finals based on recent form.
Emcie
Roar Guru
...you know the loss was bad when people start calling you a good sport... ;) Hopefully its a bit more of a contest next time.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Always hear it this time of year...
The Barry
Roar Guru
What’s that chokey sound coming out of Kogarah...?