Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL

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A heavyweight clash opens the round at Accor Stadium, as the second-placed Canterbury Bulldogs, depleted by Origin duties, face a Brisbane Broncos side also missing its stars but riding a wave of good form.

Start date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms

Canterbury Bulldogs team news

With Stephen Crichton and Jacob Kiraz both on Origin duties, Blake Wilson and Enari Tuala join the backline. Max King is also out after once again being picked for NSW, with Harry Hayes and Sam Hughes replacing him and Daniel Suluka-Fifita (concussion) in the front row. Lipoi Hopoi and Kurtis Morrin also join the bench with Kurt Mann (Origin) unavailable.

Squad: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Enari Tuala 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Harry Hayes 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Lachlan Galvin 15. Josh Curran 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Kurtis Morrin 19. Jake Turpin 20. Jethro Rinakama 21. Jack Todd 22. Luke Smith 23. Jack Underhill

Brisbane Broncos team news

After Reece Walsh was named 18th man for Queensland, Selwyn Cobbo has been recalled to the NRL side at fullback. Deine Mariner replaces Gehamat Shibasaki after he was called up to make his Origin debut. Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan are also on Origin duties, which sees Kobe Hetherington and Xavier Willison join the starting side and Jaiyden Hunt and Tyson Smoothy slot onto the bench.

Squad: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Tyson Smoothy 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Delouise Hoeter 19. Ben Talty 20. Blake Mozer 21. Va’a Semu 22. Josh Rogers

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos prediction

The Canterbury Bulldogs (2nd) are coming off a tight 8-6 loss to the Penrith Panthers in Round 17. Their recent form has been strong despite the loss, with a record of three wins out of their last five matches.

The Brisbane Broncos (5th) secured a convincing 26-12 victory over the New Zealand Warriors last week, marking their third win in a row. Their recent form reads WWWLL, showcasing a team hitting its stride.

Winger Marcelo Montoya has been a consistent try-scorer for the Bulldogs, crossing the line 7 times this season. Watch for him to add to his tally in this one.

The Broncos have a clear historical advantage, leading the Bulldogs 29-19 with one draw in their encounters. Brisbane has dominated recent contests, winning four of the last five, including a commanding 42-18 victory in Round 8 of this season. The Bulldogs have not beaten the Broncos at this venue since 2019.

This match will reveal which top-eight contender has the superior depth to overcome the challenges of the State of Origin.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos tip: Brisbane Broncos to win