Bulldogs v Raiders preview

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The front running Bulldogs return to their spiritual home for the first time in 2016. Will they replicate their early season form or will the inclusion of Canberra's dominant halves see them claim their 3rd victory of the year?

For the Doggies, they will be looking to build upon an impressive first half performance against the Rabbitohs on Good Friday which provided the basis for a comfortable 30 point victory. Their strong early season form has been built upon what has been an extremely solid combination of tough defence and attacking flair. They are currently ranked in 5th for attack (94 points) and 3rd in defence (54). Their surprising attacking record can be attributed to the early season form of key cogs William Hopoate and Moses Mbye. Mbye has been a revelation for the table-topping Dogs and his match up with Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin is one to watch. Mbye has kicked off 2016 with 3 tries and 5 try assists, whilst Hopoate has gained 4 tries in as many games. Both will be vital to their side's attack on Monday night, yet it's the Bulldog's big men who look set to rip in. In regards to team news, Michael Lichaa is expected to be a late inclusion on Monday night with it appearing unsure what Craig Garvey's role will be if any.

For the Raiders, surprisingly halves Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin have been selected to return from their respective injuries. It, of course remains to be seen whether both will play, with Austin's knee injury a very temperamental one which cannot be risked. However, both were incredibly impressive in their sole appearances in 2016, with Austin scoring 1 try, try assist and line break in 40 minutes of footy and Sezer crossing for 2 tries and 2 line breaks in a full 80 minute performance, despite injury. Despite, this the Raiders still find themselves 4th best in attack so far this season with 95 points scored, but a lowly 12th in defence with 90 points conceded. The Raiders forwards, however, must aim up against the powerful Dogs pack which laid the platform for the previous week's demolition job of the Rabbitohs. 

Last meeting: Round 11 2015 - Raiders 34 Bulldogs 41. An odd, high scoring affair which saw the Dogs race out to a huge lead, before the Raiders clawed them back, got in front with ten to go then choked at the final hurdle.

Who to watch: Although the clash of the forwards such as Papalii and Jackson will be an intriguing one, the attacking showdown between Mbye and Austin looks scintillating. Both are prone to challenging the opposition line rather than kicking and will look to spark their respective sides attack, especially in any fatigue present in the midst of their bullocking forwards.

The favourite: Back at Belmore, the Bulldogs are comfortable favourites.

My tip: It remains to be seen whether Austin and Sezer are 100% confirmed participants in this clash, yet even so, back at Belmore, the Doggies forwards will relish an opportunity to rip in on a cool Monday night. .

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 20. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. David Klemmer 17. Adam Elliot

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 16. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank Paul Nuuausala 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Iosia Soliola 8. Shannon Boyd 17. Joseph Tapine

Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bernard Sutton;