The Dragons pulled off one of the upsets of the season to break a 25-year drought in Melbourne by besting the Storm and will now aim to halt the momentum of top-five team the Bulldogs.
The Dragons' win saw them climb back into the top eight, but they face a dogfight to stay in there, with a massive challenge against a Canterbury side full of confidence after winning four of their past five matches.
Last week's win over the Raiders saw doubles to captain Stephen Crichton and winger Josh Addo-Carr in their comebacks from injury, with a return for Jaeman Salmon from a broken jaw not expected until Round 25. Forward Max King remains sidelined with a wrist fracture.
For the Dragons, Mat Feagai (concussion protocols) is set to be available for selection for this important game that will also see the Dogs pushing for a top four spot with a win.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dragons v Bulldogs
Team News
Dragons: On the back of the upset win over the Storm, coach Shane Flanagan has named the same 17 that broke a 25-year hoodoo in Melbourne. Hame Sele and Blake Lawrie have been promoted from the interchange to start in the middle, with Jack de Belin and Francis Molo shifting back to the bench. Michael Molo is 18th man.
Bulldogs: Coach Cameron Ciraldo has named the same squad that got the job done against the Raiders. Prop Josh Curran has been named to play despite spending time off the field with a shoulder problem last Sunday. No changes when the teams were finalised 60 minutes before kick-off.
Match: Dragons v Bulldogs
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell SloanFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Zac LomaxWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Max FeagaiCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Christian TuipulotuWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Kyle FlanaganFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 14 Hame SeleProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Josh Curran
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Jacob LiddleHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Dragons is number 17 Blake LawrieProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Luciano Leilua2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'A2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tom EisenhuthLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Kurt Mann
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 8 Francis MoloInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey Hayward
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Interchange for Dragons is number 10 Jack De BelinInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Lipoi Hopoi
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Raymond Faitala-MarinerInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Ryan CouchmanInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Harry Hayes
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 19 Michael MoloReplacement for Bulldogs is number 23 Drew Hutchison
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won five of their past seven home games.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored eight tries in five games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have lost three of their past four games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau will play his 150th NRL game.
- Dragons second-rower Jaydn Su’A has scored four tries in his past three games.
Match: Dragons v Bulldogs
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
9th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
5th Position
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
