The last time the Bulldogs lost four games in a row was the end of the 2023 season so they find themselves in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory heading to Magic Round.
After producing a stunning upset over the Panthers in Round 6, the blue and whites have been beaten by the Eels, Broncos, Cowboys and Dolphins, conceding 142 points in the process.
In Brisbane this weekend they confront a Sharks side capable of putting on plenty of tries on their day but also giving up 27 points per game – a stat that will have coach Craig Fitzgibbon demanding more commitment in defence.
This is the first time the two clubs have met at Magic Round and there’s plenty at stake as we head into the State of Origin period and the impending loss of some big guns.
Team News
Sharks: A double boost for the Sharks with winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and centre Jesse Ramien returning for Magic Round. Mulitalo hasn’t played since suffering an ACL injury playing for New Zealand in the Pacific Championships last October while Ramien has missed four games with a knee injury. Siosifa Talakai shifts from centre to the interchange and Mawene Hiroti has been named in No.19. Jayden Berrell comes in at hooker for Blayke Brailey, whose run of 139 consecutive games comes to and end due to concussion. Cam McInnes (ankle) is replaced at lock by Jesse Colquhoun
Bulldogs: Three big inclusions for coach Cameron Ciraldo as Canterbury look to end a four-game losing streak. Matt Burton (illness) is back at five-eighth, Max King (jaw) returns in the front row and Kurt Mann (concussion) comes on to the interchange. King’s return will see Sam Hughes shift to the bench, while Sean O’Sullivan and Josh Curran drop back to the reserves. The outside backs remain unchanged with Jacob Kiraz at least a week away from in his recovery from a knee injury.
Stat Attack
The Sharks have won seven of their last nine games against the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have won only one of their six Magic Round games.
Sharks centre KL Iro has scored seven tries in his last three games.
Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes requires eight points for 1000 career points.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.