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Match Preview

Bulldogs v Titans: Knight steps up; Foran back on deck

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The Bulldogs and Titans are both chasing their first win for the season as the two sides prepare to meet at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday. 

Despite a 0-2 record to start their season, Cameron Ciraldo's side continues to show plenty of positive signs and an afternoon at Belmore, in front of their loyal fans, could be just what they need to get their first win since Round 22 last year. 

Meanwhile, a week off couldn't have come at a better time for the Titans after they were pulled apart by the Dragons in Round 1.

Losing veteran playmaker Kieran Foran just before kick-off no doubt had a lot to do with their lack of composure and mismatched defence but coach Des Hasler won't want any excuses, despite who takes the field on Saturday night. 

SportsBet Betting Preview - Bulldogs v Titans

It's proved a tough road trip for the Titans, having won just two of their past nine games played in Sydney but now is the time for the Gold Coast men to rue their away record if they hope to make tracks in 2024.

Team News

Bulldogs: Just the one change from Round 2 for Cameron Ciraldo, with Liam Knight coming in at prop for Poasa Faamausili, who suffered a concussion against the Sharks. Josh Addo-Carr remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury. Playmaker Toby Sexton will serve as the replacement player. 

Titans: The Gold Coast will take the field as named mid-week, with the old firm of Kieran Foran and Des Hasler reuniting after the veteran playmaker got through his final fitness test following a calf injury. Jaimin Jolliffe starts at lock with Isaac Liu shifting to the bench in the only other change to the side that went down to the Dragons in Round 1. Harley Smith-Shields is the 18th man. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Blake Taaffe
    Fullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
    Winger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana  Khan-Pereira 
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jacob Kiraz
    Centre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
    Centre for Titans is number 4 AJ Brimson
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Connor Tracey
    Winger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
  • Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
    Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kieran Foran
  • Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Drew Hutchison
    Halfback for Titans is number 7 Tanah Boyd

Forwards

  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
    Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
  • Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
    Hooker for Titans is number 9 Chris Randall
  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Liam Knight
    Prop for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
    2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Klese Haas
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
    2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
  • Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon
    Lock for Titans is number 13 Jaimin Jolliffe

Interchange

  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
    Interchange for Titans is number 14 Sam Verrills
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Samuel Hughes
    Interchange for Titans is number 15 Isaac Liu
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh Curran
    Interchange for Titans is number 16 Erin Clark
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kurtis Morrin
    Interchange for Titans is number 17 Keenan Palasia

Reserves

  • Replacement for Bulldogs is number 20 Toby Sexton
    Replacement for Titans is number 19 Harley   Smith-Shields

Match Officials

  • Referee: Todd Smith
  • Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 11 games at Belmore Sports Ground.
  • The Titans hold a 12-11 advantage in head to head clashes with the Bulldogs since 2007, including a 34-30 victory at Cbus Super Stadium last year.
  • Titans centre Phillip Sami has scored a try in all five games he has played against the Bulldogs.
  • Bulldogs prop Max King will make his 100th NRL appearance.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.