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6 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Wests Tigers v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
ANZ Stadium - Friday 7:35pm
Can the Tigers get back on the winning train or will the Bulldogs power to a third straight win.
Despite going down 20-6 last Sunday against the Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers produced their most consistent performance of 2015. Having shown glimpses of their ability in the opening two fixtures, Jason Taylor's men proved they are a much stronger unit than the side that won one of their last seven matches to end 2014, displaying grit and determination to match South Sydney, only let down by their inability to post points at crucial stages of the game. With Pat Richards out through suspension, rookie Delouise Hoeter will make his debut.
After a disappointing showing first up, the Bulldogs have been strong in back-to-back Friday night victories. Coming into the match, Des Hasler's men have exerted their size to dominate sides, while classy centre Tim Lafai has played a starring role, outclassing his more fancied partner Josh Morris to become the primary attacking weapon in the Canterbury backline. For the third-straight match, the Bulldogs will field an unchanged squad.
Last meeting: Round 24 2014 - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30 Wests Tigers 10
Who to watch: While his days as a speedster are long gone, Chris Lawrence remains a danger man for opposition defences. After missing the opening round with a groin strain, the former Australian international has developed a dangerous combination with new signing Kevin Naiqama on the right side of the field. While his strike rate against the Bulldogs only stands at three tries in ten appearances, his duel opposite Josh Morris will go along way towards determining the winner of the contest.
For the Bulldogs much of the early season attention has been paid to new recruit Brett Morris, but for this weeks clash, expect one of the major reasons the Bulldogs were able to recruit the former Dragon to play a starring role. After crossing for 22 tries in his first year as a Bulldog, Josh Morris' strike rate in recent seasons has been well below the standards expected of him. This week marks exactly a year since the representative centre crossed the line, so expect him to be eager to touch down for a try to extend Canterbury's winning streak to three.
The favourite: Even without the service of Josh Reynolds, the Bulldogs are performing strongly across the board. Boasting the biggest forward pack in the competition along with some of the classiest backs, Canterbury will be hard to beat.
My tip: While the Tigers will be out to replicate their Round 19 performance from last season (46-18), the size of the Canterbury forward pack will be too strong. Bulldogs by 12.
1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Delouise Hoeter 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Sauaso Sue 13. Martin Taupau
14. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jack Buchanan 17. Brenden Santi 18. Kyle Lovett
1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Moses Mbye 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
14. Sam Kasiano 15. David Klemmer 16. Frank Pritchard 17. Tim Browne
Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Phillips;