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Bulldogs v Dolphins: Ciraldo's depth test; Averillo No.1 gun
The Bulldogs are out to extend their lead at the top of the NRL ladder when they host the Dolphins in the opening game of Round 12.
Canterbury have emerged as the competition's comeback kings, overturning second-half deficits in each of the past two weeks to extend an impressive start to the season.
Cameron Ciraldo's side will be without Stephen Crichton and Max King, who will be away on State of Origin duties, while Jacob Kiraz is also facing 4-6 weeks on the sidelines with a calf injury.
The Dolphins have been up and down throughout the first few months of the season and are eager to bounce back after a tight loss to the Warriors last weekend.
The competition newcomers are yet to defeat the Bulldogs since joining the NRL in 2023, with Thursday's match the third clash between the two teams.
Match: Bulldogs v Dolphins
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
1st Position
away Team
Dolphins
9th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: In a late game-day change, the returning Sam Hughes is back on deck from an ankle injury and will start in the front row following a late switch with Lipoi Hopoi. Josh Curran returns from suspension and is the other prop. Earlier, the Bulldogs named a side missing skipper Stephen Crichton, prop Max King and lock Kurt Mann on Origin duty and Jacob Kiraz (calf) and Daniel Suluka-Fifita (concussion). Blake Wilson comes in on the wing, Bailey Hayward starts at lock and Blake Taaffe lines up at centre for his run-on appearance of the season. Jake Turpin is a new face on the bench in his first NRL game for 2025.
Dolphins: Oryn Keeley will start, moving Connelly Lemuelu to the bench in a late switch after the Keeley was added to the squad missing Tom Gilbert with injury. Jake Averillo will wear the No.1 jersey with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on Maroons duty and Max Feagai comes into the centres for his debut game as a Dolphin. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been selected for Queensland's extended squad but has been named to play. Sean O'Sullivan is again listed as 18th man.
Match: Bulldogs v Dolphins
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dolphins
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Jake Averillo
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake WilsonWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Max Feagai
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Blake TaaffeCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo MontoyaWinger 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 10 Josh CurranProp for Dolphins is number 8 Francis Molo
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Kurt Donoghoe
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 16 Samuel HughesProp for Dolphins is number 10 Felise Kaufusi
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Harry Hayes2nd Row for Dolphins is number 17 Oryn Keeley
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Bailey HaywardLock for Dolphins is number 13 Ray Stone
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 8 Lipoi HopoiInterchange for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Jake TurpinInterchange for Dolphins is number 14 Harrison Graham
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark Nicholls
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Luke SmithInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Josh Kerr
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 21 Jack UnderhillReplacement for Dolphins is number 18 Sean O'Sullivan
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won all four home games this season.
- The Dolphins have won only three out of 13 games at New South Wales venues.
- The Bulldogs have a 50 percent winning record without captain Stephen Crichton.
- Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth has scored a try in his last five games.
- The Bulldogs have won five from six against Queensland teams in 2024-25.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
