Bulldogs v Rabbitohs preview

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs Friday 4:05pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

I got asked to write the match preview for South Sydney v Canterbury for Round 19 last season.

At that point, Souths had won 6 out of their last 7 (only losing to Melbourne), Canterbury hadn't won in two months, and I sat here and told you about how many Souths were going to beat the hapless Dogs by. Well, how very wrong I was. Canterbury ended up putting in their best performance of the season that night.

So, fast forward to Round 4, 2021. Canterbury have not won a game since that Round 19 upset, and Souths are coming off a massive win over the Sydney Roosters, with a loss to the Melbourne Storm (again), being their only blip (again).

So you would think I have learned my lesson, and would show some faith in my beloved Bulldogs this time around? Nope, I never learn my lessons. Story of my life.

In team news, South Sydney are unchanged, after their massive win last week. Their 1-7 alone is intimidating. Mitchell, Johnston, Gagai, Graham, Mansour, Walker, Reynolds. Goodnight and thank you.

Canterbury, on the other hand, are down to 21 available players. The list of injuries and suspensions would take up this entire column, so let's talk about the changes to the Bulldogs' lineup instead. 

The biggest change is Lachlan Lewis returning from the NSW Cup wilderness, to join Kyle Flanagan in the halves, having impressed in the 2nd tier competition. 
Nick Meaney returns to his natural fullback position, swapping with ex-Rabbitoh Corey Allan, who moves to the wing.

Sione Katoa (the Canterbury edition), comes in at hooker, replacing an injured Jeremy Marshall-King, and Renouf Atoni moves into the starting lineup to replace a suspended Josh Jackson.

This Bulldogs side is still very much a work in progress, under new coach Trent Barrett. The fact of the matter is that they haven't scored in 2 weeks straight, and last week it was a donut against a bang-average Brisbane side.

Souths, on the other hand, have scored 26 points for 2 weeks straight and will be looking to score that many as a bare minimum this week, against the feeble Bulldogs defence, which has conceded an average of 28 points per game so far in 2021.

Last meeting: Round 19 2020 - Rabbitohs 16 Bulldogs 26

Who to watch: For Canterbury, all eyes will be on Lachlan Lewis' return to the halves. With Jake Averillo out injured, and their ideal selection in Matt Burton contracted to another club (so can we PLEASE stop talking about it), this may be his first and last chance to prove he can cut it in First Grade.

For the Rabbitohs, it's talent all over the park, however the one to watch is Dane Gagai, who I expect to have a field day against Will Hopoate's defence and add to his solitary try scored this season.

The favourite: South Sydney are unbackable favourites. There's a good reason for that

My tip: Don't make me do this. I'll just say South Sydney by 20.

1. Nick Meaney 2. Corey Allan 3. Will Hopoate 4. Nick Cotric 5. Tuipulotu Katoa 6. Lachlan Lewis 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Dylan Napa 9. Sione Katoa 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Adam Elliott 12. Corey Waddell 13. Renouf Atoni 14. Jackson Topine 15. Dean Britt 16. Joe Stimson 17. Ofahiki Ogden

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Cameron Murray 14. Benji Marshall 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Patrick Mago 17. Jai Arrow

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Alan Shortall;