Bulldogs v Titans: Knight steps up; Foran back on deck
The Bulldogs and Titans are both chasing their first win for the season as the two sides prepare to meet at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday.
Despite a 0-2 record to start their season, Cameron Ciraldo's side continues to show plenty of positive signs and an afternoon at Belmore, in front of their loyal fans, could be just what they need to get their first win since Round 22 last year.
Meanwhile, a week off couldn't have come at a better time for the Titans after they were pulled apart by the Dragons in Round 1.
Losing veteran playmaker Kieran Foran just before kick-off no doubt had a lot to do with their lack of composure and mismatched defence but coach Des Hasler won't want any excuses, despite who takes the field on Saturday night.
SportsBet Betting Preview - Bulldogs v Titans
It's proved a tough road trip for the Titans, having won just two of their past nine games played in Sydney but now is the time for the Gold Coast men to rue their away record if they hope to make tracks in 2024.
Match: Bulldogs v Titans
Round 3 -
home Team
Bulldogs
11th Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: Just the one change from Round 2 for Cameron Ciraldo, with Liam Knight coming in at prop for Poasa Faamausili, who suffered a concussion against the Sharks. Josh Addo-Carr remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury. Playmaker Toby Sexton will serve as the replacement player.
Titans: The Gold Coast will take the field as named mid-week, with the old firm of Kieran Foran and Des Hasler reuniting after the veteran playmaker got through his final fitness test following a calf injury. Jaimin Jolliffe starts at lock with Isaac Liu shifting to the bench in the only other change to the side that went down to the Dragons in Round 1. Harley Smith-Shields is the 18th man.
Match: Bulldogs v Titans
Round 3 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Blake TaaffeFullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake WilsonWinger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jacob KirazCentre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Titans is number 4 AJ Brimson
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Connor TraceyWinger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kieran Foran
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Drew HutchisonHalfback for Titans is number 7 Tanah Boyd
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Titans is number 9 Chris Randall
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Liam KnightProp for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Klese Haas
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman SalmonLock for Titans is number 13 Jaimin Jolliffe
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt MannInterchange for Titans is number 14 Sam Verrills
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Samuel HughesInterchange for Titans is number 15 Isaac Liu
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh CurranInterchange for Titans is number 16 Erin Clark
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Titans is number 17 Keenan Palasia
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 20 Toby SextonReplacement for Titans is number 19 Harley Smith-Shields
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 11 games at Belmore Sports Ground.
- The Titans hold a 12-11 advantage in head to head clashes with the Bulldogs since 2007, including a 34-30 victory at Cbus Super Stadium last year.
- Titans centre Phillip Sami has scored a try in all five games he has played against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs prop Max King will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
