Bulldogs v Sea Eagles: Crichton on track; Turbo boost for Foz
The Bulldogs are determined to keep the momentum rolling on Saturday night when they collide with the high-flying Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium.
Canterbury secured two vital competition points when they ground out a tense victory over Parramatta before last week's bye and they are eager to kick start a charge up the ladder.
The week off gave captain Stephen Crichton a chance to rest his injured shoulder, while Jacob Kiraz has also been playing through a calf injury.
Up front, Tongan forward Sitili Tupouniua has been among the club's best and has been devastating after shifting to the edge midway through the year.
The Bulldogs will need to be at their best if they are to prevail on Saturday night against a Manly side that has emerged as a genuine premiership contender.
Kieran Foran's men outclassed the Rabbitohs in Round 14 before last week's bye and they now sit third in a congested ladder.
After missing out on NSW selection for the second match of the State of Origin series, powerful forward Haumole Olakau'atu will have a point to prove and is set to be at his damaging best.
Fullback Tom Trbojevic is also on track to return from a hamstring injury in a major boost for the Sea Eagles.
Match: Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
Round 16 -
home Team
Bulldogs
12th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
7th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: A few lates change on game day, with Enari Tuala shifting to centre, Bronson Xerri moving to the bench and Jethro Rinakama coming in to start on the wing. Bailey Hayward named to start at hooker, moving Kurt Mann to the bench. Alekolasimi Jones moves into the extended bench, with Jed Reardon dropping out. Captain Stephen Crichton (shoulder) and winger Jacob Kiraz (calf) are on track to take their place in the team after battling injuries in recent weeks. Kurt Mann is also set to return from an ear injury and will wear the No.9 jumper. Bailey Hayward shifts to the interchange as a result. Alex Conti joins the bench in jersey No.22 in Friday's 24-hour update.
Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic is on track to return from a hamstring injury in a major boost for Manly. It's a straight swap at fullback after Clayton Faulalo injured his hamstring in the win over South Sydney. Tolu Koula has been named to back up following Wednesday's Origin clash while Ethan Bullemor is set to return via the interchange after recovering from a head knock at training a couple of weeks ago. Blake Wilson and Jackson Shereb dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off. No late changes on game day.
Match: Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
Round 16 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Sea Eagles
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tom Trbojevic
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau Koula
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 5 Enari TualaCentre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Reuben Garrick
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 19 Jethro RinakamaWinger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Lehi Hopoate
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Luke Brooks
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan GalvinHalfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Jamal Fogarty
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Sea Eagles is number 8 Taniela Paseka
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey HaywardHooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Brandon Wakeham
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Sea Eagles is number 10 Kobe Hetherington
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Sitili Tupouniua2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Harry HayesLock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 9 Kurt MannInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Jake Simpkin
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Jack UnderhillInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Nathan Brown
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Josh CurranInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 23 Alekolasimi JonesInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Simione Laiafi
Reserves
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriReserve for Sea Eagles is number 18 Josh Feledy
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Alex ContiReserve for Sea Eagles is number 19 Joey Walsh
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won three of their last four games at Accor Stadium.
- The Sea Eagles have won 11 of their last 13 games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs second-rower Sitili Tupouniua has scored four tries in his last five games at Accor Stadium.
- Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored 14 tries in his last 11 games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored four tries in five games against the Sea Eagles.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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