Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 18 clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Brisbane Broncos.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Vs Brisbane Broncos
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Friday July 4, 8:80pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Enari Tuala 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Harry Hayes 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Lachlan Galvin 15. Josh Curran 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Kurtis Morrin 19. Jake Turpin 20. Jethro Rinakama 21. Jack Todd 22. Luke Smith 23. Jack Underhill
Broncos: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Tyson Smoothy 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Delouise Hoeter 19. Ben Talty 20. Blake Mozer 21. Va’a Semu 22. Josh Rogers
Referee: Todd Smith
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
State of Origin takes centre stage this weekend, leading into Wednesday’s decider, but there’s still plenty on the line when the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs host the Brisbane Broncos in a crucial round 18 clash at Accor Stadium.
With both clubs heavily impacted by Origin duty, this match shapes as a true test of depth, character, and momentum.
The Bulldogs, who currently sit equal-first behind Canberra, will be without captain Stephen Crichton, Max King, Jacob Kiraz, and Kurt Mann (all Origin). The absence of their strike weapons in attack and leadership is significant, but the Dogs have shown resilience in the face of adversity all year under coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Expect halfback Toby Sexton to take on added responsibility in the playmaking department, while impressive centre Bronson Xerri may shift into a more central role in Crichton’s absence, as will fullback Connor Tracey.
The Bulldogs’ middle forwards, led by second rowers Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston, and youngster Harry Hayes (who will start at prop), will need to dominate early to provide a platform for their makeshift backline.
The Broncos, meanwhile, face a selection headache of their own with Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan, and Payne Haas all on Origin duty for Queensland. The visitors will be relying on youth and depth alongside Adam Reynolds to get the job done in Sydney.
Brisbane’s exciting crop of young talent — including winger Josiah Karapani and emerging forward Xavier Willison — now get a big opportunity to step up on the NRL stage. Much will also fall on the shoulders of experienced campaigner Kotoni Staggs, who will be looked to for spark and leadership in the backline.
Recent history leans toward Brisbane, who’ve won seven of the last nine encounters (including a 42-18 win in round 8 this season), but the Bulldogs will relish the opportunity to take on a weakened Broncos outfit at home, even if they’re missing a few themselves, as they continue their push for a top two finish.
This Origin-impacted clash promises to be unpredictable and fiercely contested. The Bulldogs’ home-ground advantage and more settled spine could be the difference, but the Broncos’ young brigade is capable of causing an upset if they bring energy and discipline.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Bulldogs by 10 points.
Check out our round 18 predictions here.
What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below.
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