A high scoring shootout is on the cards at Accor Stadium on Sunday as the Bulldogs and Titans look to bounce back after losses in Round 11.
Both sides boast speed to burn out wide with the likes of Jacob Kiraz, Josh Addo-Carr and Paul Alamoti set to match motors with Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Phil Sami and Jayden Campbell.
After winning three of their first five games under new coach Cameron Ciraldo the Bulldogs have won just one of their past six as injuries and inconsistency take their toll, but Addo-Carr’s expected return from an ankle injury suffered on Good Friday is a boost.
Above and beyond his freakish finishing ability, Addo-Carr’s will to win and experience have been sorely missed in recent weeks with two-time premiership winner Viliame Kikau also sidelined.
The Titans, meanwhile, have had little trouble scoring points (24 per game) but they have the second worst defence in the NRL and will need to remedy that quickly with clashes against the potent Rabbitohs and Broncos outfits coming up in the next month.
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Team News
Bulldogs: The expected return of flyer Josh Addo-Carr (ankle) is a big boost. Rookie Blake Wilson did a fine job on debut against the Warriors but he’ll be the man to make way for the Foxx. Coach Cameron Ciraldo suggested changes would be made after the Round 11 loss, with players outside the Top 30 now eligible to be called in. Young gun Karl Oloapu is a chance to move into the starting side after some nice touches off the bench in his three games to date.
Titans: Erin Clark missed Round 11 with a finger injury but is expected back on deck to bolster the interchange bench. No other changes are likely although playmaker Toby Sexton (wrist) should be available for selection if Justin Holbrook is looking to make a change in the halves.
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Stat Attack
- The Titans have scored 26 points in each of their past five games, the first team in premiership history to post the same score in five straight games.
- Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney has produced four 40-20 kicks in 2023, the most by any player in the NRL.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.