Bulldogs v Roosters: Jackson, Naden ruled out; Naiqama, Keighran in
The last-placed Bulldogs host a Roosters team that will no doubt be stinging after their hard-fought Anzac Day loss to the Roosters.
The Saturday evening Accor Stadium clash provides both sides with a chance at redemption after letting winnable games slip in round seven.
For the Bulldogs, who led for half the game against the Broncos until a final quarter capitulation, the message will be around maintaining their efforts for the entire game.
For the Roosters, who almost ran down the Dragons after being manhandled early after suffering similar early treatment at the hands of the Warriors a week prior, the start will no doubt be the focus.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Bulldogs v Roosters
The Rundown
Team news
Bulldogs: Captain Josh Jackson has been ruled out of the clash after testing positive to COVID-19 with Max King moving from the bench to the starting side and Billy Tsikrikas added to the interchange. Jackson Topine is 18th man.
Winger Brent Naden had been named to return after missing last week's game due to COVID but he was withdrawn on Friday and is replaced by Jayden Okunbor.
Jake Averillo and Ava Seumanufagai return from a COVID lay-off.
Roosters: Paul Momirosvski is a late withdrawal on game day due to illness and his place in the centres is taken by Adam Keighran.
Kevin Naiqama comes onto the wing for the suspended Daniel Tupou. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley are back in the run-on side with Siosiua Taukeiaho and Nat Butcher to start from the bench.
Match: Bulldogs v Roosters
Round 8 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Roosters is number 2 Kevin Naiqama
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Aaron SchouppCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Jake AverilloCentre for Roosters is number 22 Adam Keighran
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 21 Jayden OkunborWinger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sam Walker
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Luke ThompsonProp for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam Verrills
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Paul VaughanProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Corey Waddell2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Tevita Pangai Junior2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 16 Max KingLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey Biondi-OdoInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Drew Hutchison
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Joe StimsonInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Fletcher Baker
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Ava SeumanufagaiInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 23 Billy TsikrikasInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Siosiua Taukeiaho
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 20 Jackson TopineReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Lachlan Lam
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Key match-up
Kyle Flanagan v Luke Keary: the two halfbacks were halves partners at the Tricolours in 2020. Each has had a bit of a rocky time since, Keary largely through injury and Flanagan trying to find his feet at the struggling Bulldogs, each will be pivotal to their side's hopes on Saturday. Keary is still looking for his best form after an interrupted pre-season while Flanagan, finally recalled, has been close to his side's best in the past three weeks.
Stat attack
Roosters left-edge half Sam Walker has missed an NRL-high 31 tackles but the Bulldogs may still want to consider attacking the other side of the field, where the Roosters missed a combined 14 tackles between Luke Keary (two), Angus Crichton (four) and Joey Manu (eight) against the Dragons.
Match: Bulldogs v Roosters
Round 8 -
home Team
Bulldogs
15th Position
away Team
Roosters
7th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
