Match Centre

Round 22: Wests Tigers v Bulldogs preview

Welcome back, Galvin (expect a hostile reception)

Cats and dogs are known to not get along and it's set to be no different on Sunday afternoon as the Wests Tigers come up against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for the first time since Lachlan Galvin's mid-season defection.

After playing ‘away' at Commbank Stadium last week, the Wests Tigers will remain at their ‘home' ground with a point to prove against one of the premiership heavyweights.

Opening the scoring only to cop a humbling 36-2 defeat against the Panthers last Saturday, coach Benji Marshall will welcome back Jahream Bula in a backline reshuffle that sees Sunia Turuva move to the wing in place of Izaac Tu'itupou, while Samuela Fainu and Royce Hunt will return to strengthen the forward pack.

The Tigers have enjoyed their strongest results in daytime conditions this season with six of their seven wins occurring before the sun comes down.

Sitting in outright second with the best defensive record in the league, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will be hoping to consolidate their position on the ladder as September draws closer.

Enjoying a memorable afternoon - commemorating 30 years since their grand final victory over the Sea Eagles - with a 42-4 demolition last Sunday, coach Cameron Ciraldo has lost Connor Tracey with an abdominal injury; Jacob Kiraz will shift to fullback with Jethro Rinakama earning a recall on the wing.

The Bulldogs hold a poor record at Commbank Stadium, winning just six times from 22 appearances since the opening of the stadium in 2019.

Hard-working forward Josh Curran will celebrate his 100th appearance in first grade on Sunday afternoon; the Indigenous All Stars representative debuted with the Roosters in 2019 before establishing himself with the Warriors and Bulldogs. 

Last meeting: Round 9 2024 - Bulldogs 22 Wests Tigers 14

Who to watch: Making the move from Canterbury in pursuit of greater game time over the off-season, Jeral Skelton has offered plenty of punch in 11 appearances as a Tiger. Producing six tries, 38 tackle breaks and over 150 running metres on average, the 26-year-old Samoan representative has been impactful in recent weeks after missing several matches earlier in the year. Contracted to the joint venture for a further season, Skelton's carries coming off his own line will be crucial if the Tigers are to come away with an upset. 

Lachlan Galvin has been the centre of attention for much of this season and Sunday afternoon will be no different as he returns to face the teammates and supporters who now view him as public enemy number one. Taking a patchy beginning to life at Belmore in his stride, the 20-year-old phenom has begun to find his groove since taking on the responsibility of wearing the halfback jersey. Causing plenty of headaches as a constant running threat and holding his own in defence to boot, Galvin will have his sights set firmly on guiding the Bulldogs to their fourth win in succession.  

Favourite: The Bulldogs are favoured to continue their recent run of success over the Wests Tigers, having won four of the past five meetings.

My tip: If the Bulldogs are able to remain composed in a contest set to be filled with spite, they should have the class to record their 15th win of the season - their highest total since last claiming the minor premiership in 2012. Bulldogs by 12.