The Bulldogs play host to the Cowboys at Accor Stadium on Sunday in a clash between two clubs whose form has fluctuated in 2023 to have both sitting 2-2 after four rounds.
The Bulldogs looked to be in control of their clash against the Warriors when they led 14-6 on the back of a runaway Josh Addo-Carr try but their discipline let them down in the closing stages as the home side reeled them in.
On top of nine errors the Bulldogs also had 37 missed tackles at Mt Smart Stadium and that's an area coach Cameron Ciraldo is sure to address.
Meanwhile, coming off back-to-back losses to the Broncos and Warriors, Todd Payten's side ground their way to a derby win over the Titans but will pay for it in the coming weeks.
The Cowboys are set to test their 'next man up' culture after three players suffered injuries and Jeremiah Nanai copped a two-match suspension for a Dangerous Throw.
The absence of Origin centre Murray Taulagi robs the Cowboys of some of their potency but any side boasting Valentine Holmes, Kyle Feldt and Tom Dearden is capable of piling on quick points so the Bulldogs will need to be on high alert.
Match: Bulldogs v Cowboys
Round 5 -
home Team
Bulldogs
6th Position
away Team
Cowboys
14th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: Viliame Kikau is out after suffering a head knock at training on Friday so Raymond Faitala-Mariner moves from lock to second row, Corey Waddell comes into the starting side and Kurtis Morrin joins the bench. Favourite son Josh Reynolds will play his first game for the Bulldogs since 2017 when he comes onto the interchange bench for the injured Fa'amanu Brown (dislocated elbow). Franklin Pele is also back from injury. Braidon Burns is 18th man.
Cowboys: In a late change, Mitch Dunn will start at prop with Griffin Neame reverting back to the bench. The absence of Jeremiah Nanai (suspended) also sees Heilum Luki promoted to the starting side. Youngster Riley Price will make his NRL debut off the bench in place of the injured James Tamou (foot) while Peta Hiku returns from suspension.
Match: Bulldogs v Cowboys
Round 5 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Hayze PerhamFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Tom Chester
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jake AverilloCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Paul AlamotiCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Brendan Elliot
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Ryan SuttonProp for Cowboys is number 15 Mitchell Dunn
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Coen Hess
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 13 Raymond Faitala-Mariner2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Heilum Luki
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 15 Corey WaddellLock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Josh ReynoldsInterchange for Cowboys is number 10 Griffin Neame
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Franklin PeleInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Jayden OkunborInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 20 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Cowboys is number 17 Riley Price
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 22 Braidon BurnsReplacement for Cowboys is number 18 Zac Laybutt
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won three of their past four games at Accor Stadium.
- The Cowboys have won four of their past five games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 19 tries in his past 14 games at Accor Stadium.
- Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes has kicked his last 13 goals without a miss.
- A win will give the Bulldogs their best start after five rounds since 2016.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
