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Bulldogs v Dolphins: Salmon back on deck; Hubner called up

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Having won five of their past six matches to have the blue and white army dreaming of September, the Bulldogs look to continue the roll against Wayne Bennett's Dolphins.

The Bulldogs have chosen to take their home game to Salter Oval in Bundaberg, where a boisterous crowd is sure to include more than a fair share of Canterbury faithful riding the wave of momentum created by Stephen Crichton and his men.

The last time the Bulldogs played finals footy was 2016 and they have finished no higher than 11th in the ensuing seven seasons, but there is something special brewing at Belmore in 2024 and a top-four finish is very much on the cards.

The Dolphins are out to make some history of their own with a maiden finals berth and Sean O'Sullivan's golden point heroics on Sunday ensured they would finish Round 23 inside the top eight.

Facing the Bulldogs and Storm in the next two weeks, the Dolphins get a chance to make a serious statement against two contenders, before meeting the Broncos and Knights to round out the season.

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Team News

Bulldogs: The troops are back at the right time for the Bulldogs, with Jaeman Salmon the latest to make his return to the field. The forward has been named on the bench for his first match since breaking his jaw in Round 18, with Lipoi Hopoi moving to 18th man. One hour before kick-off, Bulldogs remained unchanged from the side named on Tuesday. 

Dolphins: Rookie Lachlan Hubner is set for his second NRL match after being named to replace Mark Nicholls (concussion). Wayne Bennett has enjoyed consistency with his team lately and no further changes are expected. An hour out from the game, Trai Fuller remains as 18th 18th player with Josh Kerr omitted. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
    Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso  Tabuai-Fidow 
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
    Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
    Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
    Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
    Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock
  • Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
    Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
  • Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
    Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa

Forwards

  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Josh Curran
    Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
  • Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
    Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max Plath
  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
    Prop for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
    2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
    2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
  • Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Kurt Mann
    Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath Bromwich

Interchange

  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey Hayward
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 10 Tevita Pangai Junior 
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Kurtis Morrin
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Oryn Keeley
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Harry Hayes
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Lachlan Hubner
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Jaeman Salmon
    Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Sean O'Sullivan

Reserves

  • Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Lipoi Hopoi
    Replacement for Dolphins is number 18 Trai Fuller

Match Officials

  • Referee: Adam Gee
  • Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
  • Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Bulldogs have won nine consecutive home games.
  • Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has kicked 28 consecutive goals.
  • The Bulldogs have won only two of their past nine games in Queensland.
  • Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima will make his 200th NRL appearance.
  • Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored five tries in his past five games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, 

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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.