Round 2: Bulldogs v Broncos preview
The Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs host the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday evening at Accor Stadium (formerly Stadium Australia/Telstra Stadium/ANZ Stadium but not the one that was in Brisbane), in a matchup that brings up two shock storylines:
1. Both teams come into this off a win, and
2. Brisbane aren't playing on Friday night
The Bulldogs come into this clash on the back of a tough 6-4 win over the Cowboys in the torrential rain of Townsville, in a game that very much was an advertisement for promotion and relegation in Rugby League. A late intervention from the video referee with a rare correct call to disallow a Cowboys try, gifted Canterbury the win in the end.
The Broncos defied all expectations, and all logic, in an impressive win over South Sydney. Having conceded 81 points in two games against the Rabbitohs last season, it was a massive defensive effort in the second half, as Souths threw everything at the Broncos. Cody Walker throwing another intercept at Suncorp ensures he'll never want to play there again.
Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett makes a couple of changes of the team that beat the Cowboys, with Ava Seumanufagai being rewarded for a huge (and Dally M vote getting) performance, by being dropped to the bench, so Tevita Pangai Jr can be rewarded for his, um, questionable pre-season with a free passage into the starting lineup. Luke Thompson also starts, after being dropped to the bench on match day last week. Braidon Burns, Brent Naden and Jeremy Marshall-King are all named to start, despite head knocks last week.
For the Broncos, Adam Reynolds comes into the side to make his debut for the club, sending Billy Walters to the bench. Albert Kelly moves to Five-Eighth, Tesi Niu returns from injury and slots right back in as fullback, at the expense of Jermaine Issako, who drops out of the 17. Stability for the Broncos.
Last meeting: Round 3 2021 - Broncos 24 Bulldogs 0
Last time they met was in Round 3 of 2021, where the Bulldogs put in one of the most inept 80 minute performances of all time in a 24-0 Broncos victory. Interesting to note the massive change in both lineups since that game from early last season however. Nearly the only thing staying the same this time round are the club logos.
Who to watch: Oh it will definitely be Adam Reynolds in his debut for the boys from Brisbane, and for the dogs it will be Matt Burton and that beautiful kicking game. Worth the price of admission alone.
The favourite: At the time of writing, Brisbane were $1.71 favourites.
My tip: Well, let's put it this way. If both teams play like they did last week in victory, the Broncos will win comfortably. However as last week showed us, these early rounds are no place for logic, form, or safe bets (gamble responsibly). So really, I have absolutely no idea how this one will pan out, I'm just looking forward to being back in attendance at my spiritual home ground after so long, so if I have to tip, I'll tip with my head, not my heart. Broncos by 10.
