Bulldogs v Dolphins: Salmon back on deck; Hubner called up
Having won five of their past six matches to have the blue and white army dreaming of September, the Bulldogs look to continue the roll against Wayne Bennett's Dolphins.
The Bulldogs have chosen to take their home game to Salter Oval in Bundaberg, where a boisterous crowd is sure to include more than a fair share of Canterbury faithful riding the wave of momentum created by Stephen Crichton and his men.
The last time the Bulldogs played finals footy was 2016 and they have finished no higher than 11th in the ensuing seven seasons, but there is something special brewing at Belmore in 2024 and a top-four finish is very much on the cards.
The Dolphins are out to make some history of their own with a maiden finals berth and Sean O'Sullivan's golden point heroics on Sunday ensured they would finish Round 23 inside the top eight.
Facing the Bulldogs and Storm in the next two weeks, the Dolphins get a chance to make a serious statement against two contenders, before meeting the Broncos and Knights to round out the season.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Bulldogs v Dolphins
Team News
Bulldogs: The troops are back at the right time for the Bulldogs, with Jaeman Salmon the latest to make his return to the field. The forward has been named on the bench for his first match since breaking his jaw in Round 18, with Lipoi Hopoi moving to 18th man. One hour before kick-off, Bulldogs remained unchanged from the side named on Tuesday.
Dolphins: Rookie Lachlan Hubner is set for his second NRL match after being named to replace Mark Nicholls (concussion). Wayne Bennett has enjoyed consistency with his team lately and no further changes are expected. An hour out from the game, Trai Fuller remains as 18th 18th player with Josh Kerr omitted.
Match: Bulldogs v Dolphins
Round 24 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dolphins
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby SextonHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Josh CurranProp for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max Plath
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel HughesProp for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Kurt MannLock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath Bromwich
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey HaywardInterchange for Dolphins is number 10 Tevita Pangai Junior
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Dolphins is number 14 Oryn Keeley
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Harry HayesInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Lachlan Hubner
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Jaeman SalmonInterchange for Dolphins is number 17 Sean O'Sullivan
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Lipoi HopoiReplacement for Dolphins is number 18 Trai Fuller
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won nine consecutive home games.
- Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has kicked 28 consecutive goals.
- The Bulldogs have won only two of their past nine games in Queensland.
- Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima will make his 200th NRL appearance.
- Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored five tries in his past five games.
Match: Bulldogs v Dolphins
Round 24 -
home Team
Bulldogs
5th Position
away Team
Dolphins
9th Position
Venue: Salter Oval, Bundaberg
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
