Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs Tips & Preview

Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs Predictions

Sunday’s triple header kicks off with the Sydney Roosters versus the Canterbury Bulldogs, in what should be a close battle between two clubs that have only managed five wins each this season. 

I am expecting plenty of points here, as both teams have been struggling defensively this season, specifically recently in the Roosters case. I predict that it will be a tit for tat type of game that is going to land in favour of the underdogs with Canterbury getting the last laugh. 

The Roosters have been exploited by their opposition on the edges this season, so I like hard running rookie second rower Jacob Preston to score a four-pointer.

Head to Head

 

The Roosters have certainly had the better of the Bulldogs since 2019, winning four of their last five  matches, however the Bulldogs won the last meeting.

In round 8, 2022, Josh Addo-Carr scored a double which gave the Bulldogs the boost they needed to beat the Roosters 16-12 in a tight one at Accor.

Sydney Roosters Form

The Roosters are currently on a three-game skid after losing to the Dragons, Panthers and Cowboys before the round 13 bye.

They have been struggling to field the same 17 all season long which has caused plenty of disorganisation in attack and most recently their defence. 

The Bondi boys have allowed 92 points against in their last 3 games, which is well above their average of 22.4 points conceded per game.

Sydney Roosters Team News

Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (pectoral) and five-eighth Joey Manu (ankle) are set to return from injury, which moves Matt Lodge and Drew Hutchinson onto the interchange bench.

Brandon Smith (thumb) and Victor Radley (suspension) are out, the pair being replaced by Nat Butcher and Jake Turpin in the starting side. 

Both James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins are expected to back up with three days rest after Origin 1.

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco

2. Corey Allan

3. Joseph Suaalii

4. Billy Smith

5. Junior Pauga

6. Joseph Manu

7. Luke Keary

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Jake Turpin

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Egan Butcher

12. Nat Butcher

13. Sitili Tupouniua

Interchange

14. Drew Hutchison

15. Nathan Brown

16. Angus Crichton

17. Matt Lodge

Reserves

18. Daniel Tupou

19. Sandon Smith

20. Jaxson Paulo 

21. Terrell May

22.Naufahu Whyte

Canterbury Bulldogs Form

The Bulldogs have shown glimmers of brilliance in the middle of their turmoil start to 2023 and will be looking to build on their good performance against the Titans in round 12, which resulted in a 20-18 victory.

The Doggies showed good character in their win against the Gold Coast, coming from 14 points down at halftime, scoring 20 points after the break to get the victory. 

Canterbury Bulldogs Team News

Josh Addo-Carr and Tevita Pangai Junior came through Origin unscathed and are rumoured to back up after being named in the reserves. 

Blake Wilson and Ryan Sutton have been named as their replacements if the NSW representatives are rested. 

Josh Reynolds has been named on the bench after being relegated to 18th man in the Bulldogs win against the Titans last time out.

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List

1. Hayze Perham

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Jake Averillo

4. Paul Alamoti

5. Blake Wilson

6. Karl Oloapu

7. Matt Burton

8. Max King

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Ryan Sutton

11. Jayden Okunbor

12. Jacob Preston

13. Corey Waddell

Interchange

14. Josh Reynolds

15. Kurtis Morrin

16. Samuel Hughes

17. Harrison Edwards

Reserves

18. Khaled Rajab

19. Jackson Topine

20. Josh Addo-Carr

21. Kyle Flanagan

22. Tevitaa Pangai Junior

23. Jerel Skelton