They may be the only team to beat the Panthers this season but in the past two weeks the Bulldogs have beaten themselves in sloppy losses to the Eels and Broncos.
Cameron Ciraldo’s men have conceded 70 points and committed 27 errors in the two games following that Panthers triumph and they will need to lift big time against the unpredictable Cowboys.
The Cowboys have showcased some brilliant attack across the opening eight rounds but they have the worst defence of any team currently in the top eight and they won’t get any reprieve on Friday with Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Jason Taumalolo coming at them.
When the sides clashed in 2025 it was a relatively subdued affair with the Bulldogs prevailing 12-8 but many more points are on offer this week with the game being played at breakneck pace and momentum playing such a massive role.
Team News
Bulldogs: Viliame Kikau (pectoral) has been replaced in the back row by Sitili Tupouniua with Josh Curran added to the bench. Enari Tuala’s return on the wing from a hamstring injury sees Marcelo Montoya drop to the bench. The loss of Harry Hayes to suspension brings Lipoi Hopoi into the squad. Utility Sean O’Sullivan is listed among the reserves after serving a suspension incurred in NSW Cup. Logan Spinks and Jethro Rinakama came out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off.
Cowboys: Zac Laybutt comes in on the wing for Murray Taulagi (concussion). Jeremiah Nanai is named to start with Thomas Mikaele on the bench but they may swap on game day as they did last week. Teenager Mason Barber and back-rower Kai O’Donnell dropped out of the squad on Thursday.
Stat Attack
The Bulldogs have won only one of their last five games at Accor Stadium.
The Cowboys have won four of their past six games against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has scored five tries in his last six games at Accor Stadium.
The Bulldogs are ranked 16th in attack after eight rounds
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.