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Bulldogs v Sea Eagles: Xerri ripe for picking; Haumole on deck

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42025.com
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Two teams who notched dramatic wins in Round 20 will go head-to-head in what is set to be an intriguing match-up to close out Round 21.

Last week, the Bulldogs left it until late to shake off a persistent Dragons with youngster Jethro Rinakama sailing over in the closing moments of the game for his second try in as many matches to seal the deal 20-18 for his side.

After dominating the first half, the Sea Eagles then had to withstand a Melbourne Storm second half comeback in their Round 20 win, which moved them back into the top eight. 

While he missed two conversion attempts, winger Reuben Garrick kicked two important penalty goals - including the winning two points in the 79th minute - and scored a try as well for a personal tally of 10 points in the 18-16 win. 

Team News

Bulldogs: Centre Bronson Xerri is back from a groin injury so Enari Tuala slides to the wing and Jethro Rinakama makes way. Sam Hughes returns to the side at prop and Josh Curran reverts to the bench to fill the void left by Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring).

Sea Eagles: Edge back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu has been named to return from a shoulder injury in the only change to the side that stunned the Storm. Corey Waddell slides to the bench and Tommy Talau to 18th man. Jake Simpkin has been named to play despite failing to return to the field in Melbourne after a head injury assessment.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
    Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Lehi Hopoate
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
    Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
    Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau Koula
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
    Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Tom Trbojevic
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Enari Tuala
    Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick
  • Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
    Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Luke Brooks
  • Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan Galvin
    Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans

Forwards

  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
    Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Matthew Lodge
  • Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
    Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Jazz Tevaga
  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
    Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
    2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
    2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic
  • Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon
    Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange

  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
    Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Jake Simpkin
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Harry Hayes
    Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Corey Waddell
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh Curran
    Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Bailey Hayward
    Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves

  • Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Jethro Rinakama
    Replacement for Sea Eagles is number 18 Tommy Talau
  • Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
    Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 19 Clayton Faulalo
  • Reserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Blake Wilson
    Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 20 Caleb Navale
  • Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Kurtis Morrin
    Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 21 Joey Walsh
  • Reserve for Bulldogs is number 23 Toby Sexton
    Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 22 Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Bulldogs Ins

  • Blake Wilson
  • Bronson Xerri
  • Daniel Suluka-Fifita
  • Samuel Hughes
  • Toby Sexton

Sea Eagles Ins

  • Caleb Navale
  • Clayton Faulalo
  • Gordon Chan Kum Tong
  • Haumole Olakau'atu
  • Joey Walsh

Bulldogs Outs

  • Sitili Tupouniua

Sea Eagles Ins

  • Aaron Schoupp

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ashley Klein
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
  • Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Bulldogs are chasing their 1000th win since the club’s inception in 1935.
  • The Sea Eagles have won 11 of their past 12 games against the Bulldogs.
  • The Bulldogs will play at the new Allianz Stadium for the first time.
  • Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab will make his 100th NRL appearance.
  • Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has scored six tries in seven games against the Sea Eagles.

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

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