Round 23: Bulldogs v Warriors preview
Rounding off Super Saturday is a juicy fixture between two top four sides in the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors played at the home of the Burramattagal and Wann-gal Peoples in Indigenous round.
The Bulldogs showed that their Achilles heel in 2025 might be wet weather despite their 4-3 record in precipitation.
It has been the nature of their losses - two heavy defeats to the Broncos and Dolphins then being ambushed by the Tigers.
I don't think it is panic stations in Belmore yet. They look set for a top four finish and a big tilt at the NRL Premiership.
There is quality across the park for them but an injury to Connor Tracey might have exposed some flaws in their backline.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo is a smart operator so he will have the Bulldogs ready and their work ethic has helped them to this position in 2025.
For the Warriors, the wheels seem to be starting to fall off for them. A last ditch loss to the Dolphins has made their spot in the top four vulnerable.
The injuries to Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalfe have put a damper on what was building to be a massive season.
So, it is a big challenge for Andrew Webster to get his troops up for this game and the remaining to make sure they consolidate a finals spot.
That isn't to say the Warriors are a lay down misere in this game. They have a solid record against the Bulldogs with six wins in their last eight.
Also, there will be a huge crowd at Stadium Australia on Saturday night. That vibe might push them towards the scalp.
Not to mention the form of Leka Halasima in the forwards and the consistent work of Dallin Watene-Zelesniak in the backline.
This is set up for a fantastic denouement for Super Saturday and maybe even a look into a clash further in September.
Last meeting: Round 25 2024 - Warriors 18 Bulldogs 34
Who to watch: Jacob Kiraz deputised for Connor Tracey in the fullback role last weekend and didn't have his best outing in the wet. It will be another slick surface in Homebush so he will need to be much surer with his handling.
If you look up consistent in the dictionary, there will be a picture of Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston there. He puts in every week for the club and has a nose for the try-line shown by scoring their first in the Tigers defeat. So, he will be a key forward for them in this pivotal clash.
For the visitors, Chanel Harris-Tavita has been named to return and partner Tanah Boyd in the halves which is a huge boost for them. Harris-Tavita was an able deputy much of the season but he might need to take a larger role to get his side over the line.
Hooker Sam Healey gets another chance in the #9 jersey with Wayde Egan not named again for the visitors. He has a good turn of speed which should help get the Warriors on the front foot against a strong Dogs pack.
Favourite: Canterbury are tipped to bounce back over a struggling Warriors side.
My tip: Despite both teams coming off last start losses, Bulldogs should still enter this game in front of a huge crowd, slight favourites. Bulldogs by 8.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Form Guide
