Bulldogs v Titans preview

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans Sunday 6:15pm at Belmore Sports Ground, Belmore / Bidjigal

The final game of Round 2 will take place at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday evening. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, who won their opening game, will face the Gold Coast Titans, the team coming off the Round 1 bye. The game will kick off at 6.15 pm.

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs return to their spiritual home at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday evening, looking to build on their strong start to the 2025 NRL season. They opened their campaign with an impressive 28-20 victory over the St. George-Illawarra Dragons at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, with Sitili Tupouniua making an instant impact in blue and white, crossing for two tries in just six minutes. Marcelo Montoya also made his presence felt in his return to the club, while club debutant Daniel Suluka-Fifita stamped his authority early with a crunching opening tackle. However, the Bulldogs' win wasn't without controversy, with Stephen Crichton placed on report for a knee-to-head incident that resulted in a penalty try for the Dragons. Despite a late fightback from the Red V, Cameron Ciraldo's men held firm to secure the two competition points.

Ciraldo has named an almost unchanged lineup for their Round 2 clash, with the only major addition being the return of Josh Curran, who joins the interchange bench. Suluka-Fifita retains his spot in the starting front row after an impressive club debut, while Tupouniua will again provide impact from the bench. The Bulldogs have a strong record at Belmore, winning three of their past four matches at the venue, and they'll be eager to maintain their dominance over the Titans, having won three of their last four meetings against the Gold Coast.

For the Titans, this game marks their season opener after having a Round 1 bye. Des Hasler's side will be eager to banish the memories of their last visit to Belmore, where they suffered a humbling 32-0 defeat and lost captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to a season-ending ACL injury. With Fa'asuamaleaui back on deck and fellow enforcer David Fifita looming large, the Titans will be determined to make a statement in their first hit-out of the year.

The Gold Coast's forward pack has received a significant boost with the addition of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who will make his club debut after overcoming a shoulder injury. His inclusion sees Jaimin Jolliffe shift to the bench, adding further depth to the Titans' middle rotation. Meanwhile, Brock Gray will finally make his long-awaited NRL debut, running out for his first-grade bow after an incredible 129 NSW Cup appearances. With Klese Haas starting in the back row, David Fifita has been named on the bench to provide impact later in the game. The Titans will also be without young forward Josiah Pahulu, who has been ruled out as a precaution following a concussion in their recent trial match against the Dolphins. In the backline, AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell will steer the team around in the halves, with the electric Alofiana Khan-Pereira looking to add to his remarkable strike rate of 44 tries in 44 NRL games.

Last meeting: Round 3 2024 - Bulldogs 32 Titans 0

Who to watch: Daniel Suluka-Fifita had a standout club debut for the Bulldogs in Round 1, setting the tone with a dominant first hit-up. The young front-rower will be eager to continue his strong form and provide early go-forward for the hosts.

The return of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is massive for the Titans. The skipper hasn't played an NRL match since suffering his ACL injury at this venue last year. His leadership and physical presence will be crucial as the visitors look to match the Bulldogs' aggression in the middle.

Favourite: The Bulldogs are firm favourites heading into this clash after their solid Round 1 performance and their strong record at Belmore.

My tip: Canterbury have the benefit of an early season run under their belts, while the Titans are still shaking off the rust from their extended break. With Belmore behind them and momentum on their side, it's hard to go past Canterbury. Bulldogs by 12.

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. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Josh Curran 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Harry Hayes 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Luke Smith 23. Jonathan Sua

1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. David Fifita 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Brock Gray 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Arama Hau 20. Iszac Fa'asumaleaui 21. Tom Weaver 22. Tony Francis

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Jon Stone, Damian Brady; Video Referees: Chris Butler;