Bulldogs v Knights preview
4 hours ago | Andy P
Dragons v Bulldogs preview
St. George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
ANZ Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm 
Can the Saints keep marching on or will the Bulldogs depth prove to strong.
After an abysmal start to the year, the Dragons have won their past three matches but will face their fiercest challenge yet coming up against last years Grand Finalists. One of the luxuries coach Paul McGregor has been able to enjoy during the Dragons winning run has been the ability to retain the same 18-man squad. Aiming for four straight wins for the first time since 2011, the merged-venture will need to overcome a terrible run of losses against Canterbury stretching back to 2012. After debuting for Melbourne back in 2010, English international Gareth Widdop will play his 100th game in the NRL.
Following the most controversial game of the season so far, the Bulldogs will be hoping their depth is strong enough to withstand the losses of Brett Morris and Tim Lafai through injury, while forwards James Graham, David Klemmer and Sam Kasiano all face an extended stint on the sidelines through suspension. With five of their regulars out, the Bulldogs have been force to call up 2014 regulars Corey Thompson and Tim Browne, while Lloyd Perrett, Antonio Kaufusi and Chase Stanley all come onto the bench alongside NSW Cup front-rower Danny Fualalo who will make his NRL debut should he make Des Hasler's final squad.
Last meeting: Round 9 2014 - St. George Illawarra Dragons 6 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 38
Who to watch: Making the most of his second chance in the NRL, Jake Marketo has played a part in all three of the Dragons wins so far this year. Having been offered the opportunity reignite his career after spending the past two seasons in the QLD Cup which Redcliffe, Marketo has worked hard to cement a position off the bench, averaging 20 tackles a game in half an hour of game time. With Ben Creagh set to return in coming weeks, Marketo will be out to show off his attacking ability to ensure he maintains his spot in the side.
At the start of the year, the biggest challenge Curtis Rona faced was breaking into the Bulldogs NRL squad. Not only has the former Cowboy done so, he is leading the NRL in tries scored. In a career that is only twelve games old, Rona has scored 12 tries, half of which have come so far this season. Making over 100 metres a game, Rona has proven himself and will be out to upstage the experienced Jason Nightingale this weekend in the new-look Bulldogs backline.
The favourite: The last time these sides clashed, the Dragons were criticised for being dominated by the larger Bulldogs forward pack, but with Graham, Klemmer and Kasiano out through suspension, the Dragons will be looking to match the more-fancied Canterbury outfit.
My tip: While the Dragons have been winning, they have struggled to score points so far this year, as such, even with a depleted side; the Bulldogs should have the attacking prowess to end the Dragons recent run. Bulldogs by 13+.
1. Josh Dugan 2. Eto Nabuli 3. Euan Aitken 4. Dylan Farrell 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. George Rose 15. Jack de Belin 16. Jake Marketo 17. Heath L'Estrange 20. Rory O'Brien
1. Sam Perrett 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Moses Mbye 5. Corey Thompson 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. Tim Browne 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Lloyd Perrett 15. Antonio Kaufusi 16. Frank Pritchard 17. Chase Stanley 19. Danny Fualalo
Referees: Ben Cummins, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Luke Patten;