Friday night lights: Bulldogs v Cowboys; Dolphins v Storm
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The Bulldogs are out to end a two-game losing streak when they host the Cowboys to kick off Round 9.
The Dogs have conceded 70 points in losses to the Eels and Broncos, dropping from seventh to 10th on the ladder in the process, while the Cowboys have won four of their past five and will ask plenty of questions of Canterbury's defence.
From Accor Stadium we head north to Suncorp Stadium where the Storm will be desperate to snap a six-game losing streak that equals the worst run of losses in club history.
If the Storm are to turn their fortunes around they will need to rediscover their mojo in defence to keep the likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth and Trai Fuller quiet.
Follow all the action from Round 9 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.
Bulldogs v Cowboys at Accor Stadium
Match: Bulldogs v Cowboys
Round 9 -
home Team
Bulldogs
10th Position
away Team
Cowboys
8th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
38 min: The first half is ending like it began, with the Bulldogs camped on the Cowboys line after errors and ill discipline from Lodge and Mahoney.
36 min: Kurt Mann's night is over after being forced from the field with a Category 1 HIA following a mistimed tackle on Matt Lodge.
32 min: A Clifford 40/20 has put the Cowboys on the attack again.
29 min: Remarkably, the Cowboys have hit the front after Drinkwater pirouetted out of a Galvin tackle to score, following sustained pressure due to a Crichton high shot on Zac Laybutt. Clifford converted. Cowboys 12 Bulldogs 6.
Scott Drinkwater Try
20 min: Despite having only 38 per cent of possession, he Cowboys have hit back through Cotter after the Kangaroos forward won the race for a Tom Dearden grubber against Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey, Jake Clifford converted. Bulldogs 6 Cowboys 6.
Reuben Cotter Try
15 min: Another error and another penalty from a scrum have put the Bulldogs back in attacking position. The Bulldogs opted to re-pack the scrum but the Cowboys held them out.
11 min: The Cowboys have their best attacking chance after a high tackle by Sam Hughes but fail to take advantage, despite a rampaging run by Tongan great Jason Taumalolo.
9 min: That man Galvin, the most talked about transfer of 2025, is dominating the game so far and takes it upon himself to get the Dogs on the board with a solo try after dummying and beating former Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney and secondrower Heilum Luki. Stephen Crichton converts. Bulldogs 6-0
Lachlan Galvin Try
7 min: It's all the Bulldogs in the opening exchanges, with the Cowboys completing just one set of tackles so far and it seems only a matter of time before they will be punished.
5 min: The Bulldogs have maintained the pressure after Galvin forced a goal line drop out.
Bulldogs have the Cowboys scrambling early
2 min: Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater dropped a Lachlan Galvin bomb and Reuben Cotter picked up the ball in an offside position. The Bulldogs opted for the tap to keep pressure on.
Team News
Bulldogs: Josh Curran will start in the backrow in place of Viliame Kikau (pectoral) after initially being named on the interchange. In a late change, Curran has swapped with Sitili Tupouniua, who moves from the starting side to to the bench. Enari Tuala's return on the wing from a hamstring injury sees Marcelo Montoya drop to the bench. The loss of Harry Hayes to suspension brings Lipoi Hopoi into the squad. Rookie Alekolasimi Jones is on the six man bench.
Cowboys: Zac Laybutt comes in on the wing for Murray Taulagi (concussion). Jeremiah Nanai is named to start with Thomas Mikaele on the bench. Robert Derby is also on the extended interchange.
Bulldogs v Cowboys: Round 9
Dolphins v Storm at Suncorp Stadium
Match: Dolphins v Storm
Round 9 -
home Team
Dolphins
12th Position
away Team
Storm
16th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
