The Bulldogs return to their spiritual home of Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday afternoon, with traditional rival St George-Illawarra as their Indigenous Round opponent.
New coach Mick Potter was something of an observer in his first week at the helm, yet would have now formed some strong views on exactly where the team can improve across the second half of the season. It was a sloppy second-half display against the Wests Tigers in Round 11, meaning a third successive loss that has the season at make or break.
Despite failing to secure the two points, there continued to be moments and patterns suggesting that wins are there if the team is able to improve on a few key areas that continue to frustrate.
Discipline was again an issue against the Tigers, as errors and penalties conceded, led directly to an 18-0 deficit, before Jeremy Marshall-King inspired the troops soon after half-time and the Bulldogs found themselves back in the game.
However, fatigue eventually set in, with ball control and infringements resulting in a moderate completion rate that saw Wests enjoy a far greater share of possession.
Potter will look to create an improved disciplinary standard in order to eliminate a recent run of sin bins and along with a focus on ball control, will be hoping to see an improved showing against the Dragons.
St George has have won four of its last six matches and is showing some decent form and effort. There are few opponents that are as certain to bring out their best as Canterbury, and with something of a throwback feel in the local ground setting, this fixture could be something special.
Team news sees the Bulldogs welcome back Josh Addo-Carr, with Jayden Okunbor returning to an extended bench, while Corey Waddell is healthy and reclaims his place in the back-row. It was pleasing to see the return of Raymond Faitala-Mariner against the Tigers and Potter has shown continued faith in him this week.
Jacob Kiraz and Zach Dockar-Clay, both hold their positions after strong displays last time out and Marshall-King continues to impress on a weekly basis, as he looks to run more.
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Dragons is number 1 Cody Ramsey
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew Feagai
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Aaron SchouppCentre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese Suli
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Jake AverilloCentre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Dragons is number 19 Tautau Moga
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau Amone
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Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Luke ThompsonProp for Dragons is number 8 Francis Molo
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Dragons is number 9 Moses Mbye
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Paul VaughanProp for Dragons is number 10 Blake Lawrie
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Corey Waddell2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Jack Bird
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Max King2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh JacksonLock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Zach Dockar-ClayInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Andrew McCullough
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Chris PatoloInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Aaron Woods
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Raymond Faitala-MarinerInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Michael Molo
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 21 Joe StimsonInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Tyrell Fuimaono
Reserves
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Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Jackson TopineReplacement for Dragons is number 24 Jaiyden Hunt
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
It will be one for the purists at Belmore this Sunday, where a win would put smiles on the faces of Canterbury fans, with the setting only adding to the importance of the win.
Key match-up
Kyle Flanagan vs Ben Hunt
In a match both sides will feel they cannot afford to lose, the battle for control in the halves will be key. Ben Hunt has been excellent for the Dragons this season and will be almost certain to feature in the upcoming State of Origin series for the Maroons. His poise, guile and decision making has been excellent.
For the Bulldogs to have a chance to wrestle away dominance from the Dragons, Kyle Flanagan must position the team well to threaten the opposition line. Flanagan’s short kicking game will be vital in completing sets that deny the Dragons easy metres and good field position.
