The Bulldogs and Wests Tigers are teams looking to bounce back after disappointing losses last round.

Wests Tigers were in the fight in the first half against the Warriors before going down 30-6, while the Bulldogs never really in the contest against the Raiders, succumbing 40-16.

However, the two Western Sydney sides have an established rivalry and there is always plenty on the line when they meet. 

This week, there is additional interest surrounding their captains, with Jarome Luai set for an early release at the end of this season while Stephen Crichton was cleared of serious injury after being assisted from the field via the medicab last game and has been listed in the reserves. 

Team News

Bulldogs: Sean O’Sullivan takes over at five-eighth from Stephen Crichton, who lost feeling in his arm and was taken from the field on a medicab last Saturday. Crichton has been listed in the reserves along with Viliame Kikau, who is nearing a return from a pectoral injury suffered in Round 8. Star back-rower Jacob Preston is back in the starting side after playing 60 minutes off the bench last week in his returning from a broken arm. Josh Curran slides to the bench. Centre Enari Tuala returns after missing the Raiders game due to illness so Bronson Xerri makes way. 

Wests Tigers: Skipper Api Koroisau is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from a pectoral injury that kept him out of the Warriors game. After making his NRL debut last week, Jared Haywood has been named at hooker, with Josese Lanyon on the bench. Fonua Pole starts at prop in place of the suspended Bunty Afoa. The new face on the bench is young forward Ethan Roberts, who made his NRL debut against Manly in Round 11.

Stat Attack

The Bulldogs have won three of their last four games at Accor Stadium.
Wests Tigers have lost their last 10 games at Accor Stadium.
Bulldogs Matt Burton, Enari Tuala and Kurt Mann require one try for 50 career tries.
Tigers winger Jeral Skelton has scored four tries in two games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs winger Jethro Rinakama has scored five tries in his last five games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.

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