SYDNEY ROOSTERS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

[Carlos Parra]

So, Handbrake Hutchinson can't even make their 17 despite the players they're missing?

Our team on paper shits on theirs.

Lose the match, forget playing finals football.

[BTRD]

We have no excuses except a good solid win.

Let's hope the team and the coach have learnt ' something ' from losing to Manly, Sharks, Dogs and Cowboys.

But with the Roosters - anything is possible.

[FlamingRooster]

I highly doubt Steep is playing given he is playing 19's Origin on Thursday night. Possibly a smokescreen for another debutant - Salesi Foketi most likely given he is the only rookie forward on the extended bench. Or we've pulled him out of the Origin game.

He might’ve pulled out of the game, would be the only explanation.

[Rooster90]

BULLDOGS

1 Connor Tracey
2 Jeral Skelton
3 Bronson Xerri
4 Jacob Kiraz
5 Blake Wilson
6 Matt Burton
7 Toby Sexton
8 Max King
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Samuel Hughes
11 Josh Curran
12 Jaeman Salmon
13 Bailey Hayward

Interchange
14 Jake Turpin
15 Poasa Faamausili
16 Kurtis Morrin
17 Lipoi Hopoi

Reserves
19 Drew Hutchison
20 Blake Taaffe
21 Eli Clark
22 Harry Hayes
23 Viliame Kikau

Jeral Skelton is a beast - rumours are that he is on our watch list, if Dom Young is defending him that will not be fun to watch

[Waylander]

He might’ve pulled out of the game, would be the only explanation.

At this point, he is still listed as starting lock on Thursday night.

[Bates]

Judgement day.

[Bates]

I want to see Mahoney get smashed. Legally of course.

Apparently his sledging is next level. E.g "Tell your mum she was great."

[Chook2]

Tough one this weekend
origin reps out and will notice with Spencer/ Gus and Watsons form we will need guys to step up

good time to have young and Brendon smith back
dogs have Burton and may have kikau but no JAC, Preston or critchon
Brendon smith needs a blinder to repay the boys and club, and Manu needs more ball - especially for him to set up young outwide
expect a big game from Teddy after another origin dumping
Whyte may move back to bench for sitili or Wong so more front row rotation but expect Whyte, may and jwh to play big minutes

i also hope Wong and sitili show some promise off the bench that they want to be back there

[BTRD]

Don't agree with pulling the young bloke Steep out of a rep game to play a club game. He is young, let him experience young person achievements - he will play plenty of first grade.

Just my thoughts.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Thats a hot team to put out with 4 Origin players unavailable. Other teams must swoon.

[weplayforprems]

Don't agree with pulling the young bloke Steep out of a rep game to play a club game. He is young, let him experience young person achievements - he will play plenty of first grade.

Just my thoughts.

Nope. He’s gonna learn more playing against men than some pointless kids’ game. The club pays his wage, he can do what they say.

[Vasco]

Just need the two points.

[HunchoRooster]

Will not be an easy game. Dogs have improved rapidly. Defence is really good too. No Critta is big for them, unfortunately we have to contend with Burton bombs despite how elementary it is to catch a footy some professionals manage to make a meal of it.

Hopefully Young pulls through from the hammy as we are extremely light on in the outside back department.

[ism22]

So, Handbrake Hutchinson can't even make their 17 despite the players they're missing?

Our team on paper shits on theirs.

Lose the match, forget playing finals football.

It dooooes... but the Doggies are on the rise this year and still have guys like Kikau, Burton, Curran, Salmon, Xerri, Turpin and Silly Farmer.

Yes no Critter, Addo-Carr, Mann, Preston...etc will hurt them. BUT... so will bo Sua'ali'i, Collins, Gus, Leniu and Watson. They towelled us last time around and I certainly won't be taking this game for granted. Doggies are a new team with a better culture this year. No they're not the Riff/Storm but IMO the Doggies have a gritty team this year that's rightfully on the same points as us coz they win all the shyte little games (which we seem to always lose).

[BondiBob]

Kikau destroyed us last meeting if he is fit to go from that broken finger he will be a real headache also don't have a lot of confidence being able to handle Burton's bombs which we have also made a complete mess of in recent meetings with the Dogs.

I agree this will be a very tight game just a bit worried we have lost three forwards and have to rely on JWH not being sin binned or sent off - the doggies will target him big time