Bulldogs v Wests Tigers: Taaffe the new No.1 man; Koroisau ruled out
A refreshed Canterbury Bulldogs side is out to pick up where they left off when they return to action against the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
Cameron Ciraldo's men claimed a dominant 36-12 win over the Newcastle Knights before they enjoyed the bye in round eight.
The Bulldogs have been much improved to start the season and have troubled the top teams in the competition on the back of superb form from Viliame Kikau, Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton.
Wests Tigers have also shown glimpses of promise this year, however they are licking their wounds after a 34-10 loss to the Broncos last weekend.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Bulldogs v Wests Tigers
Team News
Bulldogs: A change at fullback in the 24-hour update, with Connor Tracey dropping out of the squad due to a quad strain and Blake Taaffe moving from the bench to the back of the field. Jacob Preston joins the interchange for what will be his first game since Round 4 when he suffered a jaw injury. Sam Hughes will start the game and Josh Curran goes to the bench in a game day switch.
Wests Tigers: No further changes on game day after Api Koroisau dropped out on Friday due to a back injury suffered in Round 8. Jake Simpkin joins the squad at dummy-half. Asu Kepaoa is 18th man.
Match: Bulldogs v Wests Tigers
Round 9 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 17 Blake TaaffeFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie Staines
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Brent Naden
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Justin Olam
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Solomon Alaimalo
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Drew HutchisonHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Wests Tigers is number 18 Jake Simpkin
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 15 Samuel HughesProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Kurt MannLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 John Bateman
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 10 Josh CurranInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu Fainu
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey HaywardInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Seyfarth
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 22 Jacob PrestonInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Fonua Pole
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 20 Poasa FaamausiliReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 20 Asu Kepaoa
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won three of their past four games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have lost their past nine games at Accor Stadium.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 22 tries in his last 22 games at Accor Stadium.
- Wests Tigers have not defeated the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium since 2018.
- The Bulldogs have scored 66 points in their last two games at Accor Stadium.
Match: Bulldogs v Wests Tigers
Round 9 -
home Team
Bulldogs
9th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
15th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
