Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview
The Bulldogs are backed with a +4.5 start after looking on the improve last week. Both teams have also been trending for over the game total lately, so take another high-scoring game.
- Tigers have lost their last three games, leaking 142 points
- Tigers have seen 60+ points in their last three games
- Bulldogs have seen 50+ points in their last three games
- Bulldogs have won three of the last four meetings between the teams
- Bronson Xerri has one try in his last two games & had 20 runs for 239 metres last week
- Tigers conceded 3 tries to Sharks left centre KL Iro in R11
- Jack Underhill had a huge impact off the bench last week - Tigers conceded one try to a prop vs Manly in R11 & one try to an interchange forward vs Sharks in R9. Obviously unlikely, but the $11.50 on offer is juicy
Tigers vs Bulldogs Head To Head
Dogs have won three of the last four encounters, but the Tigers emerged triumphant in last year's grudge match, with Luai getting the better of Lachie Galvin.
Wests Tigers Form - Trends Continue For Tigers
The Tigers' season is following a familiar pattern.
Last year they began the year on fire before fading throughout the middle stages and ultimately falling out of finals contention.
Benji Marshall's side won four of their opening five games, but they've since lost four of their last five, with their defence collapsing.
To be fair, the Tigers have had to deal with their fair share of injuries and suspensions to key players, with Adam Doueihi's absence a huge blow.
The Tigers have lost their last three games against the Sharks, Storm and Sea Eagles, leaking 44+ points in each.
Canterbury Bulldogs Form - Which Dogs Turn Up?
It's been a wild season for Canterbury - they've been absolutely abysmal for large chunks, with their limp attack compounded by a real lack of effort in defence.
But, on the flip side, they've defeated Penrith and Melbourne with some blistering performances that have encapsulated the old Dogs of War mentality.
The Bulldogs were brilliant last week against the Storm as they came back to prevail 30-20. Jacob Kiraz made a huge difference replacing Conor Tracey at fullback, registering a massive 31 runs for 297 metres, seven offloads and one try.
Matt Burton had his best game in years, carving up the Storm left side with 19 runs for 252 metres, unlocking Bronson Xerri, who also ate up the metres with 239. Jethro Rinakama also provided some much needed big carries out of danger with 20 runs for 214 metres.
Tigers vs Bulldogs Team News
Some huge ins for the Tigers, with fullback Jahream Bula, skipper Api Koroisau, lock Alex Twal and outside back Heamasi Makasini all returning.
Taylan May (shoulder) and Patrick Herbert (suspension) however are both out of this game, with Faaletino Tavana coming onto the wing in place of Luke Laulilii.
Big loss for the Bulldogs with Jacob Preston out for an extended period with an arm injury. Harry Hayes starts at lock and Jaemon Salmon shifts to the second row. Burton has been named to back up after a brief Origin cameo, with Stephen Crichton named on an extended bench.