Round 27: Bulldogs v Sharks preview
The Bulldogs and Sharks meet in a Saturday night blockbuster to round out the regular season, with both sides still jostling for finals positions.
The Bulldogs have already locked in their first top-four finish since 2012, while Cronulla must win and hope the Broncos slip up against Melbourne to sneak into fourth spot.
Recent history is on the Sharks' side with six wins from the last eight clashes, but it was Canterbury who came out on top earlier this year in Round 4, winning 20-8 at Shark Park on the back of a Bronson Xerri double. The stakes couldn't be higher, and it shapes as a finals-quality contest at Accor Stadium.
The Bulldogs enter this clash in strong form after dismantling the Baby Panthers 28-4 at home. Jacob Preston was the star with a hat-trick, Lachlan Galvin produced another classy all-round performance, and Matt Burton got back on the try-scorers list with a trademark show-and-go.
With 12 players cracking 100 running metres, Cameron Ciraldo's side looked every bit a premiership contender, and they'll be determined to carry that momentum into September. Canterbury also boasts a formidable record at their home ground this season, winning eight of their 10 outings at Accor.
Ciraldo has named a near full-strength line-up, resisting the urge to rest players ahead of finals. Viliame Kikau returns after a short illness, pushing Josh Curran back to the bench and Daniel Suluka-Fifita out of the 17.
Enari Tuala comes onto the wing for Jacob Kiraz, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Otherwise, the Bulldogs are unchanged, with Stephen Crichton leading the way from the back and Preston set for another big night on the edge.
Cronulla, meanwhile, kept their top-four hopes alive with a 40-16 win over the Knights at Shark Park last Sunday. After trailing 10-0 early, they stormed back into the contest on the back of Addin Fonua-Blake's power, Nicho Hynes' control, and Ronaldo Mulitalo's brilliance.
The winger's hat-trick took his tally to eight tries in five games, while Sifa Talakai and Braden Hamlin-Uele added plenty of punch in the middle. With 94 points scored in their past two games, the Sharks look to have clicked in attack at the perfect time of year.
Craig Fitzgibbon has been boosted by the return of Jesse Ramien from a thumb injury, which sees Mawene Hiroti make way. Braydon Trindall has been named despite leaving the field last week with an ankle complaint, while Oregon Kaufusi is listed among the reserves as he eyes a comeback from a calf issue.
With their attack firing and defensive lapses still a concern, the Sharks know they'll need to match Canterbury's resilience through the middle if they're to get the result that could propel them into the top four.
Last meeting: Round 4 2025 - Sharks 6 Bulldogs 20
Who to watch: Jacob Preston is in red-hot form after his hat-trick against Penrith. His strike power on the edge continues to be a major weapon for Canterbury.
Ronaldo Mulitalo has been almost unstoppable in recent weeks with eight tries in five games. If the Sharks' winger gets early ball, he can swing the contest.
Favourite: The Bulldogs are slight favourites with Sportsbet heading into this clash.
My tip: The Bulldogs are secure in the top four and have built a defensive steel that's served them well all year. But with Cronulla's season still riding on this result and their attack humming, expect the desperation of the Sharks to prove decisive.. Sharks by 8.
