NRL 2026, Round 20, match preview, team lists, Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, updates, injuries

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 18 Jul 2026, 06:13 PM

The Bulldogs and Wests Tigers are teams looking to bounce back after disappointing losses last round.

Wests Tigers were in the fight in the first half against the Warriors before going down 30-6, while the Bulldogs never really in the contest against the Raiders, succumbing 40-16.

However, the two Western Sydney sides have an established rivalry and there is always plenty on the line when they meet.

This week, there is additional interest surrounding their captains, with Jarome Luai set for an early release at the end of this season while Stephen Crichton was cleared of serious injury after being assisted from the field via the medicab last game and has been listed in the reserves.

Round 20 - Round 20 - Saturday 18 Jul

Full Time

Bulldogs

Wests Tigers

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Team News

Bulldogs: Josh Curran will start the game and Harry Hayes goes to the bench in a late switch. Gun back-rower has been added to the bench in jersey No.21 as he returns from a pectoral injury suffered in Round 8. Gordon Chan Kum Tong is in line for a club debut from the bench. Skipper Stephen Crichton will be rested after losing feeling in his arm and being taken from the field on a medicab last Saturday night at Accor Stadium. "He has improved a lot but he won't be ready in time for tomorrow night," coach Cameron Ciraldo said on Friday. "He had a run on Thursday and tried a little bit of contact but it wasn't where he wanted it to be." Star back-rower Jacob Preston is back in the starting side after playing 60 minutes off the bench last week in his return from a broken arm.

Wests Tigers: Skipper Api Koroisau (pectoral) has been added to the bench in No.22 in a huge boost for the Tigers. A game day swap with Alex Seyfarth to start and Fonua Pole going to the bench. Last week's debutant Jared Haywood will do the job at hooker with Koroisau to back him up. Bunty Afoa is serving a one-game ban.

Round 20 - Round 20 - Saturday 18 Jul

Full Time

Bulldogs

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Sunia Turuva
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Matt Burton

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Heamasi Makasini
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Enari Tuala

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Starford To'a
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Jethro Rinakama

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Jeral Skelton
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Sean O'Sullivan

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jarome Luai
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan Galvin

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Adam Doueihi

Forwards

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Terrell May
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey Hayward

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jared Haywood
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Leo Thompson

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Seyfarth
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Jaeman Salmon

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Samuela Fainu
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Sione Fainu
Lock for Bulldogs is number 15 Josh Curran

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal

Interchange

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Harry Hayes

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 10 Fonua Pole
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Lipoi Hopoi

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu Fainu
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 20 Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Ethan Roberts
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 21 Viliame Kikau

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 22 Apisai Koroisau

Reserves

Reserve for Bulldogs is number 16 Jack Underhill

Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 18 Faaletino Tavana
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Marcelo Montoya

Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 19 Kit Laulilii

Match Officials

Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 7/19/2026 1:50:35 PM

Stat Attack

The Bulldogs have won three of their last four games at Accor Stadium.
Wests Tigers have lost their last 10 games at Accor Stadium.
Bulldogs Matt Burton, Enari Tuala and Kurt Mann require one try for 50 career tries.
Tigers winger Jeral Skelton has scored four tries in two games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs winger Jethro Rinakama has scored five tries in his last five games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.

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