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.
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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.
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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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