The Bulldogs and Roosters go toe-to-toe in a heavyweight clash to open the first of two weeks during the NRL’s Indigenous Round.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the second annual Gadhu Gathering, the Bulldogs head east to face the second-place Roosters in a match that could dictate the side’s finals hopes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But with plenty of talent on both sides of the field, one guarantee is certain – this is going to be a match for the ages.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Download Your 2026 NRL Team Poster here!<\/a><\/p>\n As usual, there is plenty of team news, stats and info to unpack in our Round 23 Match Preview.<\/p>\n Teamlists and Team News\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n History vs Roosters and Last Time Out: Round 24, 2025<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n 2004 Grand Final Highlights: Bulldogs vs Roosters<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Key Match Up: Big Name No.6s<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Both players have moved positions in 2026, but the pair have proven to be big-game players throughout their careers.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Crichton’s Cool Field Goal<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n What They Said: Josh Curran, Stephen Crichton & Cameron Ciraldo<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Josh Curran Round 23 Media<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Stephen Crichton Round 23 Media<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Coach Media: Round 23<\/p>\n
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