The Bulldogs are enjoying a stellar season, currently leading the ladder by two points as the State of Origin period kicks in. This success is attributed to their agile forward pack, quick defensive line, and impressive completion rate, setting them up well for an anticipated clash with the Dolphins in wet conditions expected in Sydney.
However, key players including captain Stephen Crichton and Max King are unavailable due to Origin commitments, leading rugby great Andrew Johns to predict a possible upset. He highlighted the implications of the poor weather forecast, noting a heavy rain prediction for the match day.
“You can expect it to be wet and messy,” Johns remarked, suggesting that such conditions might favour the Dolphins. Despite being underdogs with several key absences, Johns believes the Dolphins could capitalise, referencing their close calls in previous matches.
In addition to absent Origin players, the Bulldogs will also be without Jacob Kiraz for a month due to injury. Conversely, the Dolphins are also facing challenges, having to compensate for the loss of fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who remains part of the Queensland squad, alongside the injured Tom Gilbert.
Despite these setbacks, Johns maintains that the Dolphins, possessing their own strong line-up, can secure a victory at Accor Stadium. He recalled their missed opportunities in a recent game against the Warriors, suggesting that with better execution, they could have come away with a win.
This exciting dynamic sets the stage for an engaging contest where both teams will be aiming to adapt to the tricky conditions and field limitations posed by missing players. The Bulldogs, while favoured, could find the Dolphins pose significant challenges, leading to high stakes in this upcoming match.