The Canterbury Bulldogs are determined to bounce back as they host the St George Illawarra Dragons in the first game of the NRL Indigenous Round. After squandering an eight-point lead and losing to the Raiders last weekend, Cameron Ciraldo’s team is keen to deliver a significantly better performance.
This game serves as the last chance for players from both teams to make their case for selection in the State of Origin series for NSW and Queensland. Among the Bulldogs, Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, and Stephen Crichton are vying for spots on the Blues squad. Meanwhile, the Dragons have Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A aiming for the Maroons, with Zac Lomax also in consideration for NSW.
The Dragons, who had a break during Magic Round, come into the game well-rested and will see the return of Luciano Leilua from a calf injury.
Adding an emotional layer to the match, St George Illawarra fullback and proud Wiradjuri man Tyrell Sloan will go head-to-head with his close friend Josh Addo-Carr. The Bulldogs winger has been a mentor to Sloan, guiding him through his challenging transition into top-level rugby after they met at the Koori Knockout a few years ago.
Both teams are eager to make a statement, with the Bulldogs looking to recover from their recent defeat and the Dragons aiming to capitalize on their fresh legs post-bye.
