Bulldogs v Titans: Quinlan a key in; Injury forces changes
This shapes as one of the most evenly matched contests of the round, with both teams looking to rebound from opening round defeats. The Bulldogs fell 32-10 to the Warriors after being overwhelmed by Auckland's power and speed.
The Titans also suffered a difficult start, losing 34-10 to 2025 grand finalists, the Roosters. While Gold Coast showed flashes of flair, they struggled to contain Sydney's attacking threats.
If Canterbury can limit defensive lapses around the ruck, they will be better for it. The Warriors repeatedly capitalised on momentum swings in Round 1, leaving the Bulldogs chasing.
For the Titans, ball control and discipline will make the difference for them. Their attacking opportunities were limited against a strong Roosters side, so building more pressure through possession would put them in good stead.
No doubt both teams will be drive to avoid starting the season 0-2, so expect a physical and intense encounter. Home ground advantage may help Canterbury, but this could easily land as one of the closest games of the weekend.
Match: Bulldogs v Titans
Round 2 -
home Team
Bulldogs
11th Position
away Team
Titans
6th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs have made a raft of game day changes, with centre Daynah Nankivell ruled out, Moana Courtenay shifting from the wing to take her place and Simina Lokotui elevated to start on the flank. Kalosipani Hopoate joins the starting line-up at prop, with Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa shifting to lock and Leilani Wilson reverting to the pine, while Evelyn Roberts joins the interchange to make her NRLW debut at the expense of Ebony Prior, who is 18th player. Kiwi Ferns representative Ashleigh Quinlan has taken over in the five-eighth role from Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau after being 18th player last week.
Titans: New recruit Indie Bostock will make her club debut on the wing in one of two late changes to Karyn Murphy's side. The former Dragon takes the place of Evania Isa'ako, who moves from wing to start in the second row, with Takoda Thompson now on the interchange. Knee injuries to fullback Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Jessika Elliston have brought Lily Patston and Fanua Rimoni into the side, with Rimoni making her NRLW debut. Patston debuted last season and looked good in her four games before a syndesmosis injury ended her campaign. Enah Desic remains 18th player.
Match: Bulldogs v Titans
Round 2 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie RobinsonFullback for Titans is number 1 Lily Patston
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Elizabeth MacGregorWinger for Titans is number 2 Georgia Grey
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 2 Moana CourtenayCentre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Monica TagoaiCentre for Titans is number 4 Phoenix-Raine Hippi
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 20 Simina LokotuiWinger for Titans is number 17 Indie Bostock
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh QuinlanFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Teagan Levi
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Alexis TauaneaiProp for Titans is number 8 Laikha Clarke
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Mary-Jane TaitoHooker for Titans is number 9 Georgia Hale
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 17 Kalosipani HopoateProp for Titans is number 10 Fanua Rimoni
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Pauline Suli-Ruka2nd Row for Titans is number 5 Evania Isa'ako
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Tamika Jones2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Ivana Lolesio
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaLock for Titans is number 13 Sienna Lofipo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Leilani WilsonInterchange for Titans is number 11 Takoda Thompson
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Giovanna SuaniInterchange for Titans is number 14 Lily Kolc
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope MillardInterchange for Titans is number 15 Sarina Masaga
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 18 Evelyn RobertsInterchange for Titans is number 16 Natasha Penitani
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 14 Ebony PriorReplacement for Titans is number 18 Enah Desic
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs’ line-up is the youngest and most inexperienced in the NRLW competition.
- The Titans play at Accor Stadium for the first time since their 2023 grand final loss to the Knights.
- The Bulldogs have won two and lost two at Accor Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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