Dragons v Bulldogs preview

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St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Saturday 5:30pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Carlton / Bidjigal

A Sold-Out Kogarah Awaits as Dragons and Bulldogs Kick Off 2025

The 2025 NRL season kicks off in style with a highly anticipated clash between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. With an expected sell-out crowd, Kogarah's atmosphere will be electric as both teams aim to start their campaigns on a winning note.

The Dragons enter this match full of confidence following an impressive pre-season campaign. A dominant 26-8 victory over the Sydney Roosters at their home ground showcased their new-look squad, headlined by marquee recruits Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook, Valentine Holmes, and Lachlan Ilias. Their attacking flair was on full display in the Charity Shield, where they stormed to a 46-26 victory over South Sydney, racing to a 34-0 lead within the opening 30 minutes. The inclusion of experienced players like Gutherson and Cook has brought much-needed leadership to the Red V, complementing a squad that has struggled for consistency in recent years. 

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, had a mixed pre-season. In their two trial matches, a solid 20-14 win over the Wests Tigers was followed by a 30-18 loss to the Brisbane Broncos, where they showed flashes of attacking brilliance but struggled defensively. Captain Stephen Crichton and key forward Viliame Kikau will lead a Bulldogs outfit that is eager to push further into the finals in 2025 after bowing out in the first round last season. However, they will be missing key players in Josh Curran (suspension), Jacob Kiraz (back), and Enari Tuala (foot), which will test their depth early on.

With a stacked roster, the challenge for Shane Flanagan's side will be ensuring their new combinations click under the pressure of a season opener. While they have looked sharp in trials, translating that form into the regular season is a different challenge altogether. The Dragons have often been guilty of fading in key moments, and against a Bulldogs side that thrives on pressure, they will need to maintain intensity for the full 80 minutes. With a passionate home crowd behind them, the Red V have a golden opportunity to stamp their authority early in the season. Five-eighth Kyle Flanagan will also mark his 100th NRL appearance in this fixture, adding extra motivation for the Dragons.

Despite missing key players, Cameron Ciraldo has named a strong side, including new recruit Sitili Tupouniua off the bench. The Bulldogs will be looking to exploit the Dragons' reshuffled lineup, particularly in the middle of the park, where their forward pack will aim to dominate early. With a proven record against St George Illawarra in recent years, Canterbury will be confident in their ability to dictate the tempo of the game. However, their Round 1 struggles in past seasons raise questions about their ability to fire immediately out of the gates.

Last meeting: Round 23 2024 - Dragons 10 Bulldogs 28

Who to watch: The Dragons' newly appointed co-captains, Clint Gutherson & Damien Cook, will be pivotal in shaping their style of play. Gutherson's organisational skills and Cook's speed out of dummy half will provide the backbone for their attacking sets. If they click early, the Dragons could be a serious threat.

The Bulldogs' captain, Stephen Crichton,  will be eager to lead from the front. Crichton's ability to find the try line and his leadership in the backline will be crucial for Canterbury's chances. The Bulldogs will be hard to stop if he can dominate in both attack and defence.

Favourite: Off the back of a strong 2024 campaign, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs enter this match as slight favourites.

My tip: Round 1 is always unpredictable, especially when a team like the Dragons has undergone significant off-season changes. If their new spine gels quickly, they have the firepower to take control in front of a vocal home crowd. If not, the Bulldogs could exploit their defensive weaknesses. Expect a close contest, but the Red V's home advantage and pre-season momentum might just tip the scales in their favour. Dragons by 8.

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Hamish Stewart 18. Dylan Egan 19. Tyrell Sloan 20. Lyhkan King-Togia 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 22. Tom Eisenhuth

1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Luke Smith 23. Ratu Rinakama

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Dave Munro, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;