Bulldogs v Broncos preview

v BYE at

The ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde' Dogs clash with the battered Broncos on Saturday night in what shapes as the game of the round. Who will grab the two points in the pivotal Origin period?

The Bulldogs disposed with the Dragons with relative ease a fortnight ago, and in doing so cemented their spot in the Top 8. Therefore, a victory here would really consolidate their spot and could even see them draw level with the Broncos on 20 points. Tony Williams was particularly impressive against the Dragons, with the maligned forward running for 182 metres, making 2 tackle busts and setting up 1 try in a performance which demonstrated quite measurable improvement. Matching the Broncos up front will therefore be a quite considerable aim for the Dogs on Saturday night if they are to emerge victorious. Seeing that the Dogs have been unable to top 18 points in their past 5 against the Broncos this one may have to be a defensive grind if the Bulldogs are to claim the two points, and this suits both teams, but particularly the Dogs whose attack has been lacking a bit this year. However, making matters worse for the home side, Josh Morris, Greg Eastwood, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Tim Browne have all been ruled out, and thus, the Dogs will really need to aim up in the face of a mounting list of absentees with Brett Morris also unlikely to suit up. 

The Broncos will be depending on the fitness of their Origin stars for this one. Wayne Bennett has shown his tendency to rest his Queenslanders, as demonstrated in the Broncos' earlier game against the Warriors. However, this backfired with the Broncos slumping to a heavy 36-18 defeat. Having claimed a 26-18 win against the Raiders in Round 14, the Broncos will look to get back on track in the particularly tough Origin period this round. Yet, this period has coincided with a massive slide in form, with the 8 point victory over the Raiders marred by a late fade in what would have otherwise been described as a dominant victory after leading 24-0 early. This is particularly evident in defence, as in the past 4 games, the Broncos have conceded 92 points, almost half of their 209 point total this season. With 6 players on Origin duty, the Broncos defence will need to stay alert on Saturday night or face possible lapses due to fatigue. 

Last meeting: Round 22 2015 - Broncos 16 Bulldogs 18

Who to watch: James Graham will be a key man if the Bulldogs are to prevail on Saturday night. Graham has led up front for the Dogs all season, averaging 180 metres and 38 tackles in an absolutely workman like start to the 2016 season. Up front for the Broncos, if he backs up from Origin, Josh McGuire is the closest stats wise that the Broncos have to Graham, averaging 150 metres and 30 tackles a game. Whichever one can lead from the front and guide their forward pack around the park will go a long way to deciding this one. 

The favourite: Watch for a late shift here if the Broncos rule out some of their Origin stars, but the Brisbane side remain slight favourites.

My tip: The Broncos are in a bit of a slump and the Bulldogs need to take advantage of this come Saturday night. However, it remains to be seen how either side lines up as Bennett may opt to rest some of his Origin contingent while Des Hasler will need to overcome the withdrawal of the aforementioned quartet. Originally was leaning towards the Dogs, but they may just be a bit bare on Saturday night with those losses, especially in the forwards. Brisbane to prevail in a tight, low-scoring battle of the forwards by 6.

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 23. Brett Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 20. Asipeli Fine 13. David Klemmer
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tony Williams 16. Danny Fualalo 17. Craig Garvey

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Tom Opacic 4. James Roberts 5. Greg Eden 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Travis Waddell 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Jaydn Sua 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Herman Essese 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Adam Blair 17. Kodi Nikorima

Referees: Ashley Klein, Henry Perenara; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Jason Robinson, Ben Galea