Bulldogs v Broncos preview

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Brisbane Broncos Friday 8:00pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

Origin takes out the best, as the rest prove themselves

With both sides heavily impacted by the State of Origin decider, the high-flying Bulldogs take on the much-improved Brisbane Broncos to kick off Round 18 at Accor Stadium.

The Bulldogs are coming off one of the games of the season in a tiresome 8-6 struggle against the undisputed premiers at CommBank Stadium. While we saw how far the Dogs have come this season, we were left with more questions than answers over the current direction of the club following the acquisition of runaway Tiger Lachlan Galvin. When Toby Sexton was moved from half to hooker, it took away a long distance kicker and it made Matt Burton easy pickings for Cleary's go ahead game winning try. We will see Galvin in the halves in this one, but the question looms large for Cam Ciraldo. 

To beat Brisbane, they need to dominate the middle early. If they can unsettle a pack of Brisbane forwards without their leaders, then they can go to town rather ruthlessly in this one. Elsewhere, Toby Sexton has a chance to continue his audition for teams in need of a seven next season as he partners up with Galvin in the halves. 

Onto the teamlists, out from Thursday's game are Jacob Kiraz, Stephen Crichton, Max King, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Kurt Mann. Coming into the side are Blake Wilson and Enari Tuala while Harry Hayes and Sam Hughes are the new props. The two fresh faces on the bench are Lipoi Hopoi and Kurtis Morrin.

For the Broncos, what a difference one man made to this team. The return of Reece Walsh has sparked the Broncos into overdrive. Their return to form in ruthless fashion over the past three weeks has been based on their spine being together for the first time in quite a while. The Broncos were playing at a different light year than what we have seen in several months. Michael Maguire has turned rejects into gems with Gehamat Shibasaki and Josiah Karapani becoming unsung heroes in the backs. 

To beat the Dogs, this will be the clear indication of how far the Broncos have come this season. They are playing one of the more ruthless teams, which have been guilty of switching off at times throughout the season. Adam Reynolds will need to game manage the heck out of this game and guide his forwards around the park. Elsewhere, the new faces will need to lift in the absence of their Origin charges.

For the Broncos, they are missing Walsh, Shibasaki, Haas and Carrigan for this one, which will see Michael Maguire recall Selwyn Cobbo and Deine Mariner to the team. Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington join the starting side. Jaiyden Hunt and Tyson Smoothy are the new men on the bench.

Last meeting: Round 8 2025 - Broncos 42 Bulldogs 18

Who to watch: We mentioned him earlier, but this is Toby Sexton's major audition for clubs looking for a game-managing seven. Sexton has become the unlucky man in the Dogs' recruitment drive, and it is brutally unfair for a guy who has improved more than any half not named Isaiya Katoa or Luke Metcalf. Sexton's game management has been a highlight for the Dogs this year, allowing the likes of Burton and Crichton to shine with ball in hand.

For the Broncos, it's the most talked about man in Red Hill. Selwyn Cobbo returns from his NRL hiatus, looking to prove a point against the Bulldogs. Cobbo's Q Cup stint was underwhelming to sum it up, with comments about his workload and attitude being less than desirable. Cobbo will look to have a point to prove at Accor Stadium on Friday night.

Favourite: Bulldogs are favourites with the bookies, but the gap is shortening. Brisbane has won just two of their past 12 matches at this venue. 

My tip: Despite both teams having significant outs, I think it will be a great game of football with both sides looking to prove something. Brisbane looking to show they can do it without their Origin stars, while for the Dogs they are looking to prove that Galvin can fit into this team in perfect harmony. Bulldogs by 6.

1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Enari Tuala 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Harry Hayes 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Lachlan Galvin 15. Josh Curran 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Kurtis Morrin 19. Jake Turpin 21. Jack Todd

1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 18. Delouise Hoeter 4. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 16. Tyson Smoothy 9. Cory Paix 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Jaiyden Hunt 17. Jack Gosiewski 19. Ben Talty 21. Va'a Semu 22. Josh Rogers

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Chris Butler;