Dragons v Bulldogs: Atkinson settles in; Xerri's fresh chance

The Bulldogs will put their finals hopes on the line when they take on the resurgent Dragons at Allianz Stadium.

Plenty has changed since the two teams opened the season in Las Vegas, with Canterbury skipper Stephen Crichton kicking a golden point field goal to deliver his side a memorable victory. 

Since then, the captain has shifted from centre to five-eighth and the Bulldogs have found their rhythm with Crichton partnering Lachlan Galvin in the halves. 

The late-season rise has hit a stumbling block in the past fortnight, with Canterbury dropping their last two games to fall out of the eight. 

Cameron Ciraldo's side must now win at least two of their final three games and hope other results go their way to play finals football. 

Standing in their way this week is a Dragons side that has claimed back-to-back victories and is desperate to avoid the wooden spoon. 

St George Illawarra held on to edge the Tigers last weekend, with a promising crop of young forwards getting better with each week. 

Hamish Stewart has rocketed into Australian World Cup contention, while prop Loko Pasifiki Tonga is sending a message up front. 

Team News

Dragons: Dan Atkinson has been named at fullback and Mat Feagai on the wing with Clint Gutherson (knee) remaining sidelined. Just the one change on the bench with Josh Kerr coming in for Blake Lawrie.

Bulldogs: With Jethro Rinakama out for the rest of the season after suffering knee and ankle injuries, Enari Tuala pushes out to the wing and Bronson Xerri starts in the centres. The new face on the bench is utility Sean O'Sullivan, chasing his first NRL action since Round 20 when he starred against Wests Tigers at five-eighth.

Stat Attack

• The Dragons are chasing three consecutive wins for the first time since Round 2, 2023.
• The Bulldogs have won their last six games against the Dragons.
• The Dragons have conceded 237 points in five straight losses at Allianz Stadium.
• The Bulldogs have won only two of their last nine away games.
• Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan has scored eight tries in his last eight games.

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