Bulldogs v Cowboys preview

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v North Queensland Cowboys Saturday 5:30pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

5th and 6th go head-to-head in a thrilling game in order to guarantee a home final. 

Playing at home was no help to the Bulldogs who went down to the Sea Eagles 22-34 at Accor Stadium on Friday night. The Dogs lost their five-game winning streak, but will be wanting to be in the winners club once again heading into finals. Captain Stephen Crichton's return will surely inject enthusiasm into the side, along with Sam Hughes who will be playing his 50th Bulldogs Club (not just NRL) game on Saturday.

With the Storm having the security of the minor premiership, players being rested was a no brainer, but it was still no easy feat for the Cowboys who wound up 38-30 winners in Townsville. Cowboys greatest try scorer Kyle Feldt scored a double in his final home match and will be wanting to bring that energy to his last regular season match. The momentum is sure to continue with the extension of Reuben Cotter this week. The team has a lot to play for, so it sure will be an interesting match.

As mentioned, Stephen Crichton returns in the centres from suspension. He is covering Bronson Xerri who this week is out with a one-game ban. Five-eighth Matt Burton is unavailable due to concussion protocols, so Drew Hutchison comes in to replace him. Besides those minor changes, the Bulldogs have listed the same team as the one that succumbed to Manly.

The Cowboys have just one change to last week's squad with Thomas Mikaele back from a hamstring injury on the bench so Jaxon Purdue makes way. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named in the reserves so could be a chance to return after suffering from a thumb injury. Sam McIntyre and Jason Taumalolo change positions with Taumalolo set to start.

Last meeting: Round 20 2024 - Cowboys 20 Bulldogs 18

Who to watch: I have been advised to talk about Reed Mahoney, as he is the one to watch and I now know why! The most tackles for the game, two tries and overall good player. He will be crucial to the Dogs when they play finals, as he is part of the handful of players who have played finals in the last two/three seasons. Although he will be looking at fixing his discipline under pressure with two errors last Friday night. Reed needs to make sure errors are down to a minimum so there is nothing the Cowboys can capitalise on and keep the group playing as a unit to ensure cohesion going forward.

Valentine Holmes was on FIRE against the Storm. His goal kicking made all the difference with his conversion rate being at 100%. In his last two games he has scored 44 points, if he continues this points scoring trend the Cowboys will easily win. In saying that defence does need work as he had 3 missed tackles, but overall the Cowboys had 42 missed tackles to the Storm's 16. Attack is not lacking at all, with good general involvement highlighted by a try assist and a try. Val just needs to keep the team in check with discipline because the way this game is looking is errors galore and the team that addresses this will most likely come out winners.

FAVOURITE: My go to betting agency (gamble responsibly please) says the Bulldogs will win.

MY TIP: I'm honestly stumped. My tipping has been shocking recently, but I'm going Cowboys to get it done. I like the team and how they've been playing recently as a unit.

1. Connor Tracey 21. Eli Clark 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 23. Jonathan Sua 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Blake Taaffe

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 14. Sam McIntyre 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Jaxon Purdue

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;