Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 12 clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and The Dolphins.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Vs The Dolphins
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Thursday May 22, 7:50pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Blake Taaffe 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Lipoi Hopoi 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Harry Hayes 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Luke Smith 19. Drew Hutchison 20. Jonathan Sua 21. Jack Underhill 22. Zyon Maiu’u 23. Mitchell Woods
Dolphins: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Harrison Graham 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Oryn Keeley 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Aublix Tawha 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Junior Tupou 22. Tevita Naufahu
Referee: Todd Smith
Bunker: Adam Gee
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs host the Dolphins in a pivotal Round 12 clash at Accor Stadium. Despite being atop the NRL ladder, the Bulldogs face significant challenges due to a depleted roster, while the Dolphins aim to capitalise on their opponent’s vulnerabilities.
The Bulldogs are grappling with a substantial injury and suspension list. Notably, second-rower Jacob Preston is still unavailable due to a four-game suspension, despite being named in the NSW State of Origin squad, while Jacob Kiraz is out for four to six weeks with a calf injury.
Blake Taaffe shifts to the centres to cover for Stephen Crichton, who is on Origin duty. Lipoi Hopoi earns his first NRL start in the front row alongside the returning Josh Curran, while Bailey Hayward slots in at lock.
The Dolphins are also affected by Origin selections and injuries. Forward Tom Gilbert is sidelined for the entire State of Origin series due to a pectoral injury (requiring surgery), while the “Hammer” has been selected for Queensland.
The Bulldogs have demonstrated resilience, overturning second-half deficits in their past two games (coming back from 14-0 down against the Sydney Roosters last Friday) to maintain their position at the top of the ladder. The Dolphins, while inconsistent (losing to the NZ Warriors 16-12 last Saturday after trailing 16-0), have shown flashes of brilliance and will look to exploit the weakened line-up of Canterbury.
Canterbury have won both matches against the Dolphins: 23-22 (2023) and 30-10 (2024).
Considering the Bulldogs’ extensive list of unavailable players and the Dolphins’ relatively stable line-up, the Dolphins have a prime opportunity to secure a victory. While the Bulldogs’ depth has been commendable, the cumulative absences may prove too challenging to overcome.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Dolphins by 6 points.
Check out our round 12 predictions here.
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