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Match Preview

Bulldogs v Sharks: Taaffe in for Tracey; Wilton returns

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Timestamp

The Bulldogs and Sharks meet for the second time this season with the men from Belmore looking to avenge a 25-6 loss in Round 2 in the Shire.

After winning three games on the trot against the Dragons, Knights and Eels, the Bulldogs came back to earth in a 26-8 loss to the Roosters but they remain in sixth position and are well placed to play finals for the first time since 2016.

The Sharks, meanwhile, come in fresh off a Round 16 bye and eager to get back to their best after losses in three of their past four matches, including a two-point defeat to the Dolphins where a sluggish start cost them dearly.

Despite the hiccups in recent weeks the Sharks are still third on the table with a four-point buffer over the fourth-placed Roosters.

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Team News

Bulldogs: Skipper Stephen Crichton will back up from Origin II, coming into the starting side an hour before kick-off with Jacob Kiraz shifting to fullback, Blake Taaffe going to the bench and Jake Turpin dropping out. Bronson Xerri (hamstring) will return, which allows Matt Burton to move back into the halves alongside Toby Sexton. Jacob Preston dropped off the bench in the 24-hour update as he works back from a foot injury. Harry Hayes is 18th man.

Sharks: Teig Wilton makes his return after two games out with a shoulder injury and replaced Tuku Hau Tapuha on the bench in the 24-hour update. The side otherwise remains as named, with Siosifa Talakai retaining his starting back row spot in his 100th NRL match. Daniel Atkinson is 18th man 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Bulldogs is number 4 Jacob Kiraz
    Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
    Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
    Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 23 Stephen Crichton
    Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Jeral Skelton
    Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
  • Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
    Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
  • Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
    Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Forwards

  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
    Prop for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
  • Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
    Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
    Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Siosifa Talakai
  • Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Bailey Hayward
    Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Interchange

  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 1 Blake Taaffe
    Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Josh Curran
    Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Royce Hunt
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
    Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Thomas Hazelton
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Lipoi Hopoi
    Interchange for Sharks is number 21 Teig Wilton

Reserves

  • Replacement for Bulldogs is number 22 Harry Hayes
    Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Daniel Atkinson

Match Officials

  • Referee: Gerard Sutton
  • Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
  • Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
  • Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Bulldogs have won their past five games at Accor Stadium.
  • The Sharks have scored 106 points in their past three games against the Bulldogs.
  • Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has scored 11 tries in 14 games at Accor Stadium.
  • Sharks utility Siosifa Talakai will make his 100th NRL appearance.
  • Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton has scored eight tries in his past 10 games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,  

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