Phil Gould has cautioned the Canterbury Bulldogs to approach their upcoming match against the Gold Coast Titans with caution, describing the Titans as a “dangerous” opponent following the unexpected decision to bench $1 million forward David Fifita. The Bulldogs are still reeling from a heavy defeat to the Brisbane Broncos, losing 42-18 in their last outing.
As they gear up for the Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium, Gould emphasises that although the Titans may appear to be on the back foot, this game could prove tricky for the Bulldogs. The Titans recently made a bold move by dropping Fifita, who has struggled in recent performances. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be without key players including Matt Burton, Sitili Tupouniua, and Josh Curran, all sidelined due to suspension.
Gould acknowledged the difficulty the Bulldogs might face, noting their lack of key players coupled with the Titans’ potential for scoring. He remarked on the need for the Bulldogs to remain vigilant as they could be caught off guard by the Titans’ attacking capabilities.
Despite Gould’s warnings of potential pitfalls, expert tipsters from Nine are predominantly siding with the Bulldogs for the win. A different match drawing attention is the upcoming clash between the Newcastle Knights and South Sydney Rabbitohs, with speculation about a possible resurgence for the Knights, who have struggled to score in recent weeks.
Scouters are split on predicting the outcome, yet Gould seems optimistic about the Knights’ chances, suggesting that a scoring resurgence could be imminent for them. He believes that once they find their rhythm, a significant number of points could follow.
As the NRL season unfolds, it is crucial for teams to strategise effectively, especially when facing unpredictable opponents like the Titans. All eyes will be on Suncorp Stadium for the anticipated match, as both teams strive to secure a vital win.