Rabbitohs
6
Match Complete
Bulldogs
14
| 78 |  | N. Meaney | ||
| 57 |  | N. Meaney | ||
| 55 |  | C. Harawira-Naera | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 51 | ||
| 47 | | C. Harawira-Naera | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 45 | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 15 | ||
| 8 | | N. Meaney |
| 0 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 3 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Match result:
The Canterbury Bulldogs have won three in a row and dealt the South Sydney Rabbitohs a significant upset, victorious by eight points on Saturday night.
Final score
South Sydney Rabbitohs 6
Canterbury Bulldogs 14
Match preview:
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will tackle the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium in Sydney this Saturday. Can the Bunnies end their losing run, or will it be the improving Bulldogs who strike? Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEST) to find out.
Souths are in a bit of a low, with two losses in a row. They remain in fourth spot on the ladder, but have Manly and Parramatta breathing down their necks hard.
Despite a great start to the season, the Bunnies have been mixed in recent months. Worryingly, they have won only three games out of their past nine.
They were gutsy against league leaders Melbourne, but ultimately beaten.
This is a game they need to win, and on paper, should do. They have both Sam Burgess and Adam Reynolds back from injury, which is a huge bonus.
Souths won’t win many games without this dynamic duo. Braidon Burns is also back in the centres, with Adam Doueihi continuing at fullback.
But they cannot underestimate the in-form Doggies. They may be sitting second from bottom, with only seven wins this season, but they have turned a corner recently.
Canterbury head into this one with two victories in a row, including a gritty come-from-behind result against Wests Tigers.
There is a real resolve and toughness that is building at Belmore. The squad seems a lot happier and the mid-season recruits have fitted in well.
New recruit Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has helped at fullback and Jack Cogger is growing every week. They remain unchanged after their win over the Tigers.
Prediction
The Dogs might be in form, but South Sydney have to stand up in this one. Wayne Bennett has not been happy with them in the past few weeks and has criticised them publicly.
Burgess’ return will give them power up front, while Reynolds will give them direction in the halves. Souths have too much class across the park for Canterbury to deal with.
Souths to win by 14 points.
When: 7:35pm (AEST)
Where: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
TV: Fox Sports
Betting: Souths $1.32, Draw $25, Dogs $2.60
Souths
1. Adam Doueihi 2. Dane Gagai 3. James Roberts 4. Braidon Burns 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Sam Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Liam Knight 11. Ethan Lowe 12. Jaydn Su’a 13. Cameron Murray 14. Thomas Burgess 15. John Sutton 16. Dean Britt 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Mark Nicholls 19. Corey Allan 20. Bayley Sironen 21. Connor Tracey.
Bulldogs
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Meaney 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Jack Cogger 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Chris Smith 14. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Renouf To’omaga 16. Danny Fualalo 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 19. Morgan Harper 20. Kieran Foran 21. Adam Elliott 22. Ofahiki Ogden.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
As Wayne Bennett said in the media conference, he told the players post-game "it isn't terminal yet but they're close!" He also said, although "the Bunnies have the ability to turn the corner in the run to the finals until they show marked improvement they shouldn't be part of that conversation. They have forfeited that right until the show that they belong in that conversation." Full credit to the Bulldogs who were clearly the better team on the night.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Wow! Bulldogs are turning out to be real spoilers!
Nat
Roar Guru
This is gonna make it very hard to get the Broncos into the convo around your dinner table mate! Great game.
Nat
Roar Guru
They were right to keep Foran. The more he pays with these young guys the better for the team. He's done everything at full pace in his career and body paid the price but you can see his energy is still there Elliot had a cracker for his stints as well.
Emcie
Roar Guru
I don't remember the broncos ever being locked in the top 8 last year....
The Barry
Roar Guru
I wish... :silly:
steveng
Roar Rookie
???? Bennett is getting old and I think that whatever his old strategies might have been wont work with the Bunnies! The Bunnies performance last night was not even worthy of a bottom 4 side, very disappointing to see a side deteriorate to such a low level but me thinks that the Bunnies just dont have the cattle to keep up with this comp.
Rob
Guest
What's official is u papa have no idea what ure talking about when it comes to rugby league ure absolute fool
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Yep - Bennett's strategy is working beautifully - Souths have now lost 7 out of their last 10 so the strategy to finish in the bottom of the 8 is working beautifully. Souths should finish 6th at the end of the season after their loss to the Bulldogs - the perfect springboard for a launch for the premiership. The way they are playing they are no hope.
Rob
Guest
Like when the Broncos got smashed by the dragons last year yeh souths have nothing to worry about with Bennett there yeh right fool
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Geez the Sharks game would give this performance a run for its money. Dogs wanted it more and put it in a big shift. I think top 4 is gone now for Souths. Away games to Broncs, Warriors and then finish with Roosters. At this stage they are making up the numbers.
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
And not just better, easily better. They did the same last year so if they can get things happening early then the 8 is not beyond them next year.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"..the doggies really showed up for each other and there was real intensity in their play.." Really good point Danno. Mate, a win's always nice but to be honest the effort is what pleased me the most. The forwards made some great metres right up the middle and they were all playing for each other. It was good to see - very satisfying. (I have no idea what's happening to the Bunnies - I didn't expect that poor effort TBH) Go Doggies! :)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I get the distinct feeling you are enjoying this a little too much DPS. That's OK. The Dragons play the Sharks tomorrow. Can't wait! I'll make sure I have plenty of salt handy. ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
JD, Scott, anyone... I still have posts sitting in limbo!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Yep. And the Bunnies will still finish the season ahead of the Seagulls.
Danno1
Roar Rookie
was away from IT but watched on telly.....the doggies really showed up for each other and there was real intensity in their play. Thought Lewis defence brilliant, but still looks like he can't run properly, Foran was excellent but he too looks like he's struggling with his injuries. Elliot, Tolman Jackson and DWZ all enormous as well as CHN. There's a lot to like, but then l said that at this time last year.... Souths looked very tired, they kinda threw stuff at us but when it didn't work they really struggled to find another effort and new options. The Bunnies looked like they just wanted it to end
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
A top 3 finish is essential Emcie and before tonight that was within the Bunnies reach. Not now. You don't want to finish 4th and play the Storm in Melbourne in week 1 of the finals. That took the wind out if the Rabbitohs sails last year and the weeks break is essential to winning the premiership. Tough luck for Souths that they have had to play without their first choice FB for most of the year and so many key players. That's how the dice rolls. The Storm have been lucky though.
Scott Pryde
Expert
:angry:
Watda
Guest
Lol..like last year? Bring on the finals then?