Canterbury Bulldogs vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL

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Accor Stadium will host a clash between two clubs with vastly different fortunes this season, as the third-placed Canterbury Bulldogs take on a St George Illawarra Dragons side battling to keep their season afloat.

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

Lachlan Galvin is back in the Bulldogs side after missing the clash against the Cowboys and will start at halfback with Toby Sexton dropping back to the extended bench. Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo’s decision reportedly came down to concerns regarding his team’s attacking output, Origin pair Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann have both been named, after they were rested from the game against the Cowboys. With Crichton back, Bronson Xerri goes out of the team due to a groin injury. Rookie Jethro Rinakama has kept his spot on the wing after his fine performance on debut, while Daniel Suluka-Fifita has been selected in the reserves, and may return from concussion.

Squad: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton

St. George Illawarra Dragons team news

While Hamish Stewart (knee) and Luciano Leilua (laceration) both picked up injuries in the defeat to the Roosters, they’ve both been picked in the 17. Leilua has been named in the second row, while Stewart has been named on the interchange. The team is unchanged from last week. Mat Feagai (ankle) may return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines, and has been picked on the extended bench, having got through his return in the NSW Cup last week.

Squad: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Nicholas Tsougranis

Canterbury Bulldogs vs St. George Illawarra Dragons prediction

The Canterbury Bulldogs (3rd) secured a gritty 12-8 win over the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville last week. They continue to be one of the competition's benchmark teams, despite winning just three of their last five.

The St George Illawarra Dragons (11th) went down in a hard-fought 31-24 loss to the Sydney Roosters in Round 19. They have struggled to string wins together, with only one win from their past five, despite being competitive in many of their matches.

Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya leads the team with eight tries, which illustrates the team’s balanced attacking style.

Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan has been a constant threat in attack, leading the team with 12 tries and providing the spark for many of their best moments.

The Bulldogs have a strong record against the Dragons, winning 30 of their 47 clashes. They have won the last four encounters, including a 28-20 victory in Round 1 of this season.

The Bulldogs' relentless defence and disciplined style should prove too much for a Dragons team that has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. Canterbury's ability to win the forward battle will likely pave the way for another victory in their march for a top four finish.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs St. George Illawarra Dragons tip: Canterbury Bulldogs to win by 13+ points