Bulldogs v Wests Tigers preview

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Will the real Wests Tigers please stand up? Bulldogs shoot for 4 in a row.

An intriguing battle poses itself here with two sides desperate for the two points. The Tigers are hoping to keep their 2016 playoff chances alive with another win but have struggled immensely with consistency all year. They lose star fullback James Tedesco and hooker Robbie Farah along with captain Aaron Woods, so their depth will be well and truly tested. Two pints outside the 8 and with a bye up their sleeves this is a huge game for the Tigers. Mitchell Moses and Luke Brook's play will be scrutinized closely and they will need to be leading their team from get go if the Tigers are to topple a rejuvenated Bulldogs outfit. 

The Bulldogs scraped home against the Sydney Roosters last week after switching off for the final 15 minutes. They are a side that is absolutely deadly when they play smart football but also have some shocking bad habits in them. Coach Des Hasler was less than impressed with his troops drop off in intensity and will want them to show a committed 80 minute effort against the Tigers. Shooting for the 4th straight win the Bulldogs have worked themselves into a very tidy position however if they want to be talked about as premiership favourites, then they need to come out and prove it against a tricky Wests Tigers outfit.

Last meeting: Round 10 2016 - Wests Tigers 4 Bulldogs 36

The Bulldogs savaged a tame Tigers side earlier in the year in a match that Tigers fans are still having nightmares about. To make matters worse the Tigers have dropped 8 of the past 10 matches between the sides. Despite being listed as a Tigers home game there will be a lot of Canterbury support at ANZ Stadium!

Who to watch: For the Tigers keep a close eye on Tim Simona in the centres. He has a great turn of pace and is also a strong defender. Look for him to get into open space and burn the Bulldogs outside backs, his battle with the Morris boys is sure to be a joy to watch.

Talking of the Morris boys, Brett Morris has made a fantastic return to the Bulldogs 1st grade team. 5 tries in just two games has seen him make a big impact. He gives the Dogs a legitimate threat on the fringes and his speed is a benefit in broken play situations. His uncanny knack for scoring will boost the Bulldogs chances of victory in this one. Put Morris down for another double.

The favourite: Bulldogs strong favourites against an origin depleted Tigers side.

My tip: Bulldogs to continue their drive towards September with the win here. Expect a big opening 20 minutes from the Bulldogs forward pack who will be out to prove a point against an undermanned Tigers side. Bulldogs by 18.

1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Curtis Rona 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Asipeli Fine 12. Greg Eastwood 16. Tim Browne
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tony Williams 13. Danny Fualalo 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

1. Jordan Rankin 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Tim Grant 9. Dene Halatau 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. JJ Felise 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jacob Liddle 17. Kyle Lovett

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson