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Canterbury will host the Warriors on Friday night with both sides looking to stay within reach of the top eight after suffering defeats on Magic Round weekend.

The Bulldogs were pipped by the Raiders in a high-scoring clash and coming off a five-day turnaround they will benefit from a week-long preparation going into this match at Accor Stadium.

The Warriors were gallant in defeat against defending premiers Penrith on Saturday but must find some grunt after three straight losses in recent weeks after previously being well-placed in the top four. 

Andrew Webster's side has battled a heavy injury toll during this period but will view Friday night's match as a must-win and a good chance to do so.

Historically both sides are placed at a 50% win record each but it's the Warriors who have had the most success recently winning twice, including a 16-14 result at Mt Smart Stadium back in Round 4.

The Bulldogs had their chances to win that match and will be equally determined to get one back against their rivals on home turf.

Team news

Bulldogs: A blow on Thursday with star winger Josh Addo-Carr postponing his comeback for another week after initially being named to return from an ankle injury. Youngster Blake Wilson will now make his NRL debut on the wing in jersey No.19. Harrison Edwards joins the bench this week in place of Sam Hughes while Jackson Topine is 18th Man.

Warriors: Bayley Sironen has been added to the bench on game day with Demitric Sifakula dropping out. Freddy Lussick will start the game at hooker and Wayde Egan reverts to the bench in another change an hour before kick-off. Jackson Ford (head knock) and Edward Kosi (knee) are both out after picking up injuries against the Panthers. Josh Curran moves from the bench into the second row, Rocco Berry comes into the centres and Marcelo Montoya slides to the wing. Ronald Volkman is the new five-eighth, with Dylan Walker going to the bench. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Hayze Perham
    Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
    Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jake Averillo
    Centre for Warriors is number 3 Rocco Berry
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Paul Alamoti
    Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 19 Blake Wilson
    Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
  • Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Josh Reynolds
    Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Ronald Volkman
  • Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Matt Burton
    Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson

Forwards

  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
    Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
  • Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
    Hooker for Warriors is number 14 Freddy Lussick
  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Tevita Pangai Junior
    Prop for Warriors is number 10 Bunty Afoa
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Corey Waddell
    2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Josh Curran
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
    2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore
  • Lock for Bulldogs is number 17 Harrison Edwards
    Lock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris

Interchange

  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
    Interchange for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Karl Oloapu
    Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Dylan Walker
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Jayden Okunbor
    Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tom Ale
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Franklin Pele
    Interchange for Warriors is number 18 Bayley Sironen

Reserves

  • Replacement for Bulldogs is number 23 Kurtis Morrin
    Replacement for Warriors is number 20 Taine Tuaupiki

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ben Cummins
  • Touch Judge: Peter Gough
  • Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
  • Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney has four 40-20s to his name in 2023, the most of any player in the NRL.
  • The Warriors have come up with 47 line breaks so far this compared to the Bulldogs' 35.
  • Bulldogs centre Jake Averillo has scored five tries in his past five games
  • The Warriors have won their past five games against the Bulldog
  • Bulldogs have conceded 83 points in their past two games at Accor Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.

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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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