Round 9: Broncos v Bulldogs preview
Cellar dwellers battle as under-fire coaches face off
The Broncos seem to drifting further away from victory each week after another disappointing performance last round against the Warriors. The 26-16 loss was particularly concerning given Todd Payten's men played without two key members of their spine in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Kodi Nikorima.
Breaking down in tears as the full-time siren sounded, the Broncos again appeared lost for answers. You can tell that they are trying but the results aren't coming. Instead, the pressure continues to grow.
Interestingly, Anthony Seibold has opted against drastic changes although there could be a few late switches as he fights for survival. Kotoni Staggs and Matthew Lodge both have been named on the bench as the eye a return from injury.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs put in another spirited performance last week against the Rabbitohs. Yet courage will only get them so far because at the moment they just seem a class below the rest of the competition.
The one shining light in an otherwise dismal season - Adam Elliott - has also been ruled out for the season but is replaced by new recruit Luke Thompson in a boost for Dean Pay's men.
Like Seibold, Pay's days seem numbered and reports emerged this week suggesting the Bulldogs may part ways with him sooner rather than later.
Victory on Saturday will do little to change his long-term prospects but at least it will lift the Bulldogs out of bottom spot on the ladder.
Last meeting: Round 25 2019 - Bulldogs 30 Broncos 14
Who to watch: Brodie Croft appeared to take last week's loss to the Warriors personally and I am expecting a big performance from the developing halfback. Coming from a Storm system where all he has known is success, the transition to the struggling Broncos has been tough for Croft. He still has a strong running game to draw upon and needs to back himself more, although the same could be said for the entire team.
His opposite Brandon Wakeham seemed to be on the outer at the start of the season but has been handed a massive opportunity to stake his claim for a starting spot in recent weeks. Wakeham is off-contract at the end of the year alongside fellow playmaker Jack Cogger. There is likely only room for one as the Bulldogs head to the open market for marquee players in 2021 so Wakeham needs to make every game count now if he is to secure another contract.
The favourite: Brisbane are slight favourites at home.
My tip: This is a complete toss of the coin. I'd rather back neither team but Canterbury have more confidence in their ability to play through adversity. Bulldogs by 10.
