The Cowboys have closed to within three wins of Penrith at the top of the table and will look to continue their momentum when they tackle the in-form Bulldogs in Bundaberg.
Having put the Dragons to the sword on Sunday, Todd Payten's men turn their focus to a danger game against a Bulldogs outfit riding high on the exhilarating form of Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr.
With wins in four of their past six matches the Bulldogs are serving notice they'll be a premiership force in 2023 but before that they can play spoiler for finals contenders the Cowboys, Eels and Sharks in coming weeks.
A carnival atmosphere is guaranteed at Bundaberg's Salter Oval and fans are in for a treat with both sides playing expansive and entertaining footy in recent weeks.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Bulldogs v Cowboys
The Rundown
Team news
Bulldogs: Bulldogs remain 1-17 one hour before kick off. Raymond Faitala-Mariner is set for a late call-up after missing Round 20 with a rib injury. Coach Mick Potter initially named the same 17 from last weekend's defeat of the Titans but Faitala-Mariner was promoted to the bench when the squad was trimmed to 19 players 24 hours before kick off, with Harrison Edwards shifting to the reserves.
Cowboys: No late changes on game day for the Cowboys. Winger Kyle Feldt is out with a hamstring injury and his place is taken by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Veteran Jake Granville is the new man on the bench.
Match: Bulldogs v Cowboys
Round 21 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Jake AverilloFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Aaron SchouppCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Braidon BurnsCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
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Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Cowboys is number 8 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Paul VaughanProp for Cowboys is number 10 Coen Hess
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Josh Jackson2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tom Gilbert
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jackson Topine2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 23 Raymond Faitala-MarinerLock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Tevita Pangai JuniorInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Zach Dockar-ClayInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Reuben Cotter
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Joe StimsonInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Luciano Leilua
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Chris PatoloInterchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin Neame
Reserves
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Replacement for Bulldogs is number 16 Harrison EdwardsReplacement for Cowboys is number 19 Brendan Elliot
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Matt Burton v Tom Dearden: Both men made their Origin debuts in 2022 and have returned to their club sides full of confidence. Burton's kicking game has been instrumental in Canterbury reviving 'The Entertainers' tag and his try assist tally stands at 12, while Dearden has come up with 11 try assists and 10 line break assists. Watch for Burton's towering torpedo kicks and deft cross field kicks for a flying Josh Addo-Carr and watch for Dearden's explosive speed off the mark as these two gifted No.6s look to put on a Sunday afternoon show in Bundaberg.
Stat Attack
Bulldogs forward Tevita Pangai jnr leads the NRL in offloads with 43 while team-mate Max King is also in the top 10 with 29 offloads. Winger Murray Taulagi is the Cowboys' leading offloader with 26 in his 18 games.
Match: Bulldogs v Cowboys
Round 21 -
home Team
Bulldogs
12th Position
away Team
Cowboys
2nd Position
Venue: Salter Oval, Bundaberg
