Sharks v Bulldogs: Ronaldo, Ramien return; Big three good to go
The last time the Bulldogs lost four games in a row was the end of the 2023 season so they find themselves in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory heading to Magic Round.
After producing a stunning upset over the Panthers in Round 6, the blue and whites have been beaten by the Eels, Broncos, Cowboys and Dolphins, conceding 142 points in the process.
In Brisbane this weekend they confront a Sharks side capable of putting on plenty of tries on their day but also giving up 27 points per game - a stat that will have coach Craig Fitzgibbon demanding more commitment in defence.
This is the first time the two clubs have met at Magic Round and there’s plenty at stake as we head into the State of Origin period and the impending loss of some big guns.
Match: Sharks v Bulldogs
Round 11 -
home Team
Sharks
7th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
15th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Sharks: One change on game day with Hohepa Puru to start at hooker and Jayden Berrell going to the bench. Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and centre Jesse Ramien are on track to return from knee injuries. The NRL's longest consecutive game streak will come to an end after Blayke Brailey was ruled out of Friday's match due to a head knock. Cam McInnes has also been ruled out due to an ankle injury. Jesse Colquhoun returns to the starting side in his place. Oregon Kaufusi and Niwhai Puru dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off with Braden Uele added to the six-man bench.
Bulldogs: No further changes on game day after Sam Hughes was ruled out with a neck injury and Josh Curran succumbed to a rib injury on Thursday. Lipoi Hopoi and Jack Underhill were added to the six-man bench. Five-eighth Matt Burton is back after illness ruled him out of last week's loss to the Dolphins. Prop Max King is due to return from a broken jaw, while Kurt Mann is also set to take his place on the bench after passing through the concussion protocol.
Match: Sharks v Bulldogs
Round 11 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Samuel StonestreetWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jonathan Sua
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL IroCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Enari Tuala
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan Galvin
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa PuruHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey Hayward
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Toby RudolfProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Leo Thompson
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Sitili Tupouniua
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jesse ColquhounLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 9 Jayden BerrellInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa TalakaiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Harry Hayes
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Billy BurnsInterchange for Bulldogs is number 25 Jack Underhill
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas Hazelton
Reserves
-
Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Mawene HirotiReserve for Bulldogs is number 17 Alekolasimi Jones
-
Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Braden UeleReserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Jethro Rinakama
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Lipoi Hopoi
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won seven of their last nine games against the Bulldogs
- The Bulldogs have won only one of their six Magic Round games.
- Sharks centre KL Iro has scored seven tries in his last three games.
- Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes requires eight points for 1000 career points.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
