NRL Round 23 Match Preview: Gadhu Gathering

The Bulldogs welcome back Sitili Tupouniua after five games out with a hamstring injury. Tupouniua is joined on the bench by two other new faces in Bronson Xerri and Jake Turpin, who will play his first NRL match since Round 9. Sean O’Sullivan, Jonathan Su’A and Alekolasimi Jones make way. 

Maroons prop Lindsay Collins has been named on the bench after an extended break due to concussion issues. Winger Billy Smith returns after missing Round 22 due to illness so Tommy Talau goes to the bench. Skipper James Tedesco is good to go despite sitting out the second half last week with his ankle on ice. Salesi Foketi retains his place in the starting side after a powerhouse display against the Cowboys so Nat Butcher goes to the bench.

Friday night marks the 184th time the Bulldogs and Roosters have met – in fact, they’re the side the Bulldogs have played the most out of any opponent in history.

The two Clubs have faced off in many big matches; none more so than in the Grand Finals of 1980 and 2004 – both famous victories in favour of the Blue and Whites. 

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2004 Grand Final Highlights: Bulldogs vs Roosters

Eastern Suburbs have had their fair share of famous wins too, however, including the infamous 87-7 win back in the Club’s first season. 

Last time out the red, white and blue got the two competition points in late 2025 at Allianz Stadium, so the Bulldogs will be out to make amends on their quest for a third consecutive finals series. 

A big clash calls for big-game players, and look no further than Stephen Crichton and Daly Cherry-Evans to dictate the outcome should the match drag on into the late stages. 

Both players have moved positions in 2026, but the pair have proven to be big-game players throughout their careers.

Crichton has been a catalyst since moving into the no.6 jersey back in Round 16; with the Bulldogs winning four from their last five matches.

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Crichton’s Cool Field Goal

He knows how to ice matches on the biggest stage, kicking the winning field goal on two occasions this year – evidenced by his Round 1 performance in Las Vegas. 

Cherry-Evans, who will move into second place in all-time NRL appearances, has proven to be a match-winner time and time again; just a few weeks ago he proved the difference with a clutch one-pointer to get the Roosters home in Newcastle. 

With both sides sizzling into form with September looming, you can bet that contest will be a close one dictated by the men in the no.6 jerseys. 

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Josh Curran Round 23 Media

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Stephen Crichton Round 23 Media

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Coach Media: Round 23

Bulldogs forward Josh Curran has scored five tries in his last five games.
The Roosters have won their last six games at Allianz Stadium.
The Bulldogs have not defeated the Roosters at Moore Park since 2016.
Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored 10 tries in his last nine games at Allianz Stadium.
Roosters five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans will move to equal second for all-time premiership appearances.

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

Bulldogs Members and supporters will be available to watch the match on Channel 9 and FoxSports, or stream via Kayo.