Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 20 clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Saturday July 19, 5:30pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
Referee: Adam Gee
Bunker: Grant Atkins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Bulldogs enter this Round 20 clash buoyed by home advantage and some bold selection changes.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo has opted to start rookie Lachlan Galvin in the No.7 jersey, moving incumbent Toby Sexton to the extended bench. Galvin earned a recall and will partner Matt Burton in the halves, while captain Stephen Crichton joins Kurt Mann in returning from representative duty.
Young winger Jethro Rinakama retains his spot after an impressive debut. Bronson Xerri’s groin injury is a blow for the ‘Dogs backline, but Ciraldo has shuffled well, with Enari Tuala impressing since coming in to first grade a fortnight ago.
Form-wise the Bulldogs sit third on the ladder, still in contention for the minor premiership. They picked up a gritty 12–8 win over the Cowboys last round, snapping a brief slide.
However, experts note Canterbury’s attack has struggled for points – they managed just two tries against a weak Cowboys side and have scored only 366 points this season, well below their top four rivals Canberra (462) and Melbourne (517).
By contrast the Dragons (11th on the ladder) have been competitive in most games but unable to close them out – five losses this year have come by six points or less. St George Illawarra fell 31–24 to the Roosters last week and have won just two of eight matches away from home, so their finals hopes hinge on stealing wins on the road.
Both squads are nearly at full strength. Besides Xerri, the Bulldogs’ only notable absentee is forward Sitili Tupouniua, who may yet play.
Inclusions like Galvin and Crichton in attack should spark interest. The Dragons’ 17 is unchanged from last round – even injured trio Hamish Stewart and Luciano Leilua hold places – while Mat Feagai is pushing for a return from a long-term ankle injury (named in the extended squad).
On paper the Bulldogs look stronger, especially up front. Reed Mahoney, Max King, and Sam Hughes must contain the Dragons’ pack of David Klemmer and Emre Guler – who are big bodies.
In the backs, the Bulldogs’ centre pairing will test the Dragons centres – the very strong Moses Suli and Qld star Valentine Holmes.
One key matchup is the Bulldogs’ Viliame Kikau against Jayden Su’A. Kikau is 8–0 in his career against St George Illawarra, underscoring the Dogs’ recent dominance (they’ve beaten the Dragons in the last four meetings – including a 28-20 win in round 1 this season).
Defensively the Bulldogs are rock-solid, while the Dragons have plenty of strike on the edges but remain vulnerable. Given form and head-to-head history, the Bulldogs should win this one. Expect a tight contest, but the home side’s defense and crowd support should prevail.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Bulldogs by 8 points.
Check out our round 20 predictions here.
What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below.
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