Bulldogs v Dragons: Pangai jnr out; McCullough returns
The Bulldogs showed signs of fight in the second half against Wests Tigers and look to build on that against an opponent they have enjoyed some success against in recent years.
In the last four meetings between these sides the Bulldogs have come away with two wins, including a thumping 28-6 victory at Accor Stadium in round 14 last year when Luke Thompson and Josh Jackson ran riot through the middle.
The forwards will again hold the key if Canterbury are to turn their fortunes around and hand interim coach Mick Potter his first victory on what is sure to be an emotional day back at Belmore Sports Ground.
The Dragons got the job done despite some shaky moments against the Warriors and have a good opportunity to build some momentum heading into the mid-season bye.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Bulldogs v Dragons
The Rundown
Team news
Bulldogs: Tevita Pangai jnr (back spasms) is out of the side, replaced by Joe Stimson on the bench. Josh Addo-Carr is back from illness and needs a big game ahead of Origin I. Corey Waddell returns from a head knock and will start in the back row.
Dragons: Mikaele Ravalawa dropped out on Saturday with a hamstring injury and his place is taken by Tautau Moga. Veteran hooker Andrew McCullough will make an early return from a thumb injury via the bench so Jayden Sullivan drops out.
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Dragons is number 1 Cody Ramsey
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew Feagai
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Aaron SchouppCentre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese Suli
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Jake AverilloCentre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Dragons is number 19 Tautau Moga
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau Amone
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Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Luke ThompsonProp for Dragons is number 8 Francis Molo
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Dragons is number 9 Moses Mbye
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Paul VaughanProp for Dragons is number 10 Blake Lawrie
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Corey Waddell2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Jack Bird
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Max King2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh JacksonLock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Zach Dockar-ClayInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Andrew McCullough
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Chris PatoloInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Aaron Woods
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Raymond Faitala-MarinerInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Michael Molo
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 21 Joe StimsonInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Tyrell Fuimaono
Reserves
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Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Jackson TopineReplacement for Dragons is number 24 Jaiyden Hunt
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Key match-up
Matt Dufty v Cody Ramsey: A former Dragon and rising young gun go head-to-head in a battle of the fullbacks with each looking to impress for different reasons. Dufty has been on the end of some criticism since arriving to Belmore but at times has tried hard in trying circumstances. Ramsey is back in the No.1 jersey and is looking to cement his spot once owned by Dufty.
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
16th Position
away Team
Dragons
9th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Stat Attack
Jeremy Marshall-King has racked up 38 tackles per game this season, continually putting his body on the line to stop opposing big men in their tracks. Leading the way for the Dragons in the defensive department is Jack de Belin with 368 tackles at 33 per match.
