Bulldogs v Tigers preview

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Wests Tigers
ANZ Stadium - Friday 7:45pm

An injury riddled Bulldogs side did enough to account for the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend. Josh Morris, Sam Kasiano and Tim Browne return to the side for this clash, but the Bulldogs will be without Brett Morris and Tim Lafai until at least Round 13.

Keith Galloway is out for the next few weeks with a shoulder injury, and his loss will be a big blow for the Tigers, who would have been relying on him to help handle the bigger Bulldogs forwards. Matt Lodge has been added to the team in his place, along with Delouise Hoeter on an extended bench.

The Tigers will be looking to improve their second half performances, after gaining themselves the unwanted tag of being reknowned second half faders. Last Sunday against the Raiders, the Tigers got themselves ahead to a 22 point lead in the first half, before being run down by the Raiders in the second 40 minutes. In their previous match with the Bulldogs in round 4, the Tigers were again run down from a solid lead to be beaten in golden point by a Moses Mbye field goal.

Last meeting: Round 4 2015 - Wests Tigers 24 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 25

Who to watch: In a big, skillful pack, it can be difficult for one player to stand out, but that's exactly what I expect Sam Kasiano to do this week. After missing the last two games through suspension, the big Kiwi will be champing at the bit to rip in - especially after watching his side struggle against the Dragons a couple of weeks ago. The Bulldogs will be grateful for his return, as they battle on without captain James Graham and prop David Klemmer.

Aaron Woods will play an important role for the Tigers. With the loss of Keith Galloway, the Tigers will be looking to Woods to take the game to the Bulldogs forwards, both in attack and defence. Woods was a standout against the Raiders last weekend, running for over 200 metres and making 35 tackles, after the loss of his front row partner early in the game.

The favourite: The Bulldogs will start as favourites against the Tigers, although if the game finished at half time the Tigers would probably be at a much shorter price.

My tip: I can't see the Bulldogs losing in this one. The return of Morris and Kasiano, combined with the loss of Galloway for the Tigers, should see the Bulldogs get the points. Bulldogs by 4.

1. Sam Perrett 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 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. Sam Kasiano 15. Lloyd Perrett 16. Frank Pritchard 17. Moses Mbye 19. Danny Fualalo 20. Antonio Kaufusi 22. Herman Essese

1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Kyle Lovett 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Dene Halatau 15. Matthew Lodge 16. Jack Buchanan 17. Sauaso Sue 18. Delouise Hoeter

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Luke Phillips;

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