Bulldogs v Broncos: Foxx hamstrung; Carrigan, Oates out
The Bulldogs' upset win over Souths lifted them four points clear of last place and will have given them renewed confidence heading into a clash with the second-placed Broncos.
The 70-point turnaround from a humiliating loss to Newcastle could prove the springboard for Cameron Ciraldo's men to finish the year strongly and lay a platform for 2024.
Having conceded 180 points across their past four matches the Bulldogs will certainly need to increase their defensive intensity if they are to match motors with the Broncos and Panthers in the next fortnight.
The Broncos are coming off a good win over the Dolphins in Round 19 and a bye last weekend so they'll be refreshed and ready to make a statement of intent and keep the heat on ladder leaders Penrith.
With games against the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Cowboys, Eels, Raiders and Storm to come, there is no margin for error for the Broncos as they eye a top-four finish and redemption for last year's fadeout.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Bulldogs v Broncos
Team News
Bulldogs: No further changes on game day after Josh Addo-Carr was ruled out on Friday with a hamstring injury suffered in the closing stages of Wednesday's Origin match. His place is taken by Jeral Skelton, who made his NRL debut last week when he was activated as 18th Man against Souths. Rookie winger Blake Wilson keeps his spot after scoring three tries last week so Jacob Kiraz shifts to centres and Ethan Quai-Ward goes out of the 17 following his NRL debut in Round 19. After suffering a neck injury last week Ryan Sutton is out, with Raymond Faitala-Mariner the man to take his place at prop and Corey Waddell the new lock.
Broncos: No changes on game day. Forward leader Pat Carrigan is being rested on the back of a draining Origin series and playing 16 of the Broncos' 17 games to date. The loss of Payne Haas (ankle) sees Corey Jensen moved into the starting side. Back-rower Kurt Capewell returns after missing two games with a quad injury.
Corey Oates won't play in his 200th game after picking up a knee injury at training. Coach Kevin Walters confirmed on Friday that the winger had sustained meniscus damage and would be out for 4-6 weeks. Jesse Arthars comes into the starting side and Deine Mariner joins the bench.
Match: Bulldogs v Broncos
Round 20 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Jake AverilloFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tristan Sailor
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake WilsonWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Braidon BurnsCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Jacob KirazCentre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 20 Jeral SkeltonWinger for Broncos is number 16 Jesse Arthars
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby SextonHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Broncos is number 8 Keenan Palasia
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Raymond Faitala-MarinerProp for Broncos is number 10 Corey Jensen
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Jackson Topine2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Brendan Piakura
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Corey WaddellLock for Broncos is number 13 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kyle FlanaganInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Xavier Willison
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Tevita Pangai JuniorInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Jayden OkunborInterchange for Broncos is number 18 Deine Mariner
Reserves
-
Replacement for Broncos is number 20 Jock Madden
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Fa'amanu Brown
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos lead the NRL in tackle breaks with 685. The Bulldogs rank 14th with 494.
- The Broncos entered Round 20 in fourth place last year but dropped five of their last six games to finish ninth.
- The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 10 games at Belmore Sports Ground.
- The Broncos have won their past four games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs have conceded 180 points in their past four games.
Match: Bulldogs v Broncos
Round 20 -
home Team
Bulldogs
15th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
