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
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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.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,