NRL PREVIEW ROUND 23: BULLDOGS V WARRIORS

Canterbury Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors
Sunday, August 19, 2pm
ANZ Stadium, Sydney

For just the third time this decade the Canterbury Bulldogs host the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium in a match with plenty on the line for both sides. The Dogs are looking to avoid their sixth wooden spoon and first since 2008 as they are in 14th position on the National Rugby League ladder. When the New Zealand Warriors come to town, anything’s possible. The Kiwi side has been outstanding on the road this season, winning seven of their 11 matches away from Mt Smart Stadium.

Recent form

Canterbury was starved of second half possession against Manly in round 22 as they went down 18-6. The Dogs were in great form prior to that defeat, beating finals contenders the Wests Tigers by 12 points and the Brisbane Broncos by 14 points. The Warriors are 5-5 in their last 10 matches, which sums up their unpredictable nature. They have recent wins against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium and St. George Illawarra in Wollongong as big underdogs, but lost 36-4 to a Penrith side without their Origin players in round 17 and suffered an embarrassing 36-12 loss to the Gold Coast Titans three weeks ago.

Stats That Matter

• The Warriors are 5-6 ATS at ANZ Stadium since 2008, but have covered three of the four times these teams have met at this venue in that time.
• Canterbury’s 52 tries this season are the fewest of any team in the competition.
• The Dogs have conceded the most run metres in the National Rugby League this season, while the Warriors have conceded the fourth most.
• The under has saluted in five of the past six matches between these two teams.
• Canterbury has won six of the past eight matches between these sides at all venues, dating back to 2012. 

Final thoughts

The Wolf knows that the Warriors have been incredibly consistent on the road this season after winning only one game away from New Zealand in 2017. The Wolf also knows that when the Warriors head into a match as favourites, particularly on the road, anything can happen. The two most recent times this has occurred, against the Panthers and Titans, the Warriors conceded a combined 72 points and were hammered. Lachlan Lewis is back for the Dogs and he will sharpen their defence tremendously. The Wolf likes the Dogs in an upset.

How It Shapes Up

Canterbury by 4. 

Recommended Bets

Best: Canterbury ($2.50)

Value: Canterbury 1-12 ($3.80)

First Tryscorer: Will Hopoate ($15)