The Bulldogs play host to the Cowboys at Accor Stadium on Sunday in a clash between two clubs whose form has fluctuated in 2023 to have both sitting 2-2 after four rounds.
The Bulldogs looked to be in control of their clash against the Warriors when they led 14-6 on the back of a runaway Josh Addo-Carr try but their discipline let them down in the closing stages as the home side reeled them in.
On top of nine errors the Bulldogs also had 37 missed tackles at Mt Smart Stadium and that's an area coach Cameron Ciraldo is sure to address.
Meanwhile, coming off back-to-back losses to the Broncos and Warriors, Todd Payten's side ground their way to a derby win over the Titans but will pay for it in the coming weeks.
The Cowboys are set to test their 'next man up' culture after three players suffered injuries and Jeremiah Nanai copped a two-match suspension for a Dangerous Throw.
The absence of Origin centre Murray Taulagi robs the Cowboys of some of their potency but any side boasting Valentine Holmes, Kyle Feldt and Tom Dearden is capable of piling on quick points so the Bulldogs will need to be on high alert.
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Team News
Bulldogs: Viliame Kikau is out after suffering a head knock at training on Friday so Raymond Faitala-Mariner moves from lock to second row, Corey Waddell comes into the starting side and Kurtis Morrin joins the bench. Favourite son Josh Reynolds will play his first game for the Bulldogs since 2017 when he comes onto the interchange bench for the injured Fa'amanu Brown (dislocated elbow). Franklin Pele is also back from injury. Braidon Burns is 18th man.
Cowboys: In a late change, Mitch Dunn will start at prop with Griffin Neame reverting back to the bench. The absence of Jeremiah Nanai (suspended) also sees Heilum Luki promoted to the starting side. Youngster Riley Price will make his NRL debut off the bench in place of the injured James Tamou (foot) while Peta Hiku returns from suspension.
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Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won three of their past four games at Accor Stadium.
- The Cowboys have won four of their past five games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 19 tries in his past 14 games at Accor Stadium.
- Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes has kicked his last 13 goals without a miss.
- A win will give the Bulldogs their best start after five rounds since 2016.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.