Bulldogs v Warriors preview

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‘Away' Warriors out to bounce back against Bulldogs

Grinding their way to victory last Monday against the Storm, Canterbury travel across the ditch for a ‘home' game in Wellington. With just five days between matches, Bulldogs coach Des Hasler will be hoping his side can continue their strong showings against the Warriors in recent meetings, having won the past five clashes, as well as three wins and a draw during previous ‘home' games in New Zealand. As has become customary in 2016, the Bulldogs have named an 18-man squad headlined by a dynamic forward pack led by captain James Graham; Lloyd Perrett has been named 18th man.

Underwhelming at home against the Sea Eagles last Saturday, Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has responded to his side's inconsistent form by orchestrating a major shakeup in his squad. Veteran halfback Jeff Robson has been omitted from the side in favour of Tuimoala Lolohea, allowing Shaun Johnson to shift to halfback for the first time since breaking his leg last year. In other changes, athletic winger David Fusitua has been named on the wing for his first game of 2016, while former Warriors Under 20's prop Ligi Sao is 18th man after recovering from injury. The Warriors hold a terrible record in Wellington, managing just one win from seven appearances in the New Zealand Capital, while four coaches have come and gone since their last win over the Bulldogs five years ago.

Last meeting: Round 26 2015 - Bulldogs 26 Warriors 22

Who to watch: Coming up with yet another workhorse performance in the victory of Melbourne, Josh Jackson will be eager to continue his strong form in 2016 and secure a place in representative sides to come. Averaging close to 40 tackles each week and proving a threat in attack to boot, the Bulldogs second rower has been a constant for the Blue and Whites since Des Hasler's arrival in 2012. Facing off against seasoned forwards Simon Mannering and Ryan Hoffman, Jackson will have his sights set on continuing the Bulldogs dominance over the Warriors in recent meetings.

Starring with two tries when these sides met in the final round of 2015, Tuimoala Lolohea will be looking for a similar effort against Canterbury on Saturday night. Having filled in every position of the backline so far in his career, the Kiwi international is set to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves after featuring on the wing in the opening six weeks and will be hoping to break back into the New Zealand test side with another strong showing in Wellington. Set for a big future with the Warriors, Lolohea has proven himself to be lethal with the ball in hand and will be capable of breaking the game open for the ‘visiting' New Zealanders.

The favourite: Despite the short turnaround, Canterbury are expected to make the most of their New Zealand venture by coming away with the win.

My tip: Having disappointed at home last week, the Warriors will be primed for a big performance against the in-form Bulldogs. Warriors by 6.

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 15. Tim Browne 9. Michael Lichaa 16. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 8. Aiden Tolman 10. James Graham 17. Adam Elliot

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. David Fusitua 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Lisone 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Thomas Leuluai 15. Jacob Lillyman 16. Charlie Gubb 18. Ligi Sao

Referees: Henry Perenara, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Shane Rehm, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten;