Matchday Details
Sunday, July 27 – 4:05pm (AEST) – Allianz Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Ashley Klein | Bunker: Chris Butler
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 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. Jethro Rinakama 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Blake Wilson 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
Sea Eagles
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Tommy Talau 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Caleb Navale 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Match Preview
As the Bulldogs celebrate their 1995 premiership heritage, they face a formidable Sea Eagles side on Sunday, July 27, at 4:05 pm at Allianz Stadium — marking the first meeting on this ground since the ‘95 Grand Final.
Canterbury boasts strong continuity, recalling key back Bronson Xerri into their round 21 team after missing a week with injury. Xerri has been a potent attacking weapon this season, averaging 16 runs for 154 metres a game in 2025.
The Bulldogs will be keen to exploit his strike power in the centres, supported by Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau on his inside.
Whether Lachlan Galvin can continue to form the combinations needed to pip the Eagles remains to be seen. He was solid against the Dragons last week, but overall the Bulldogs attack has been less than dynamic in recent weeks.
Manly, under Anthony Seibold, currently sit seventh with a 9–8 record and are led by captain Daly Cherry‑Evans in what is his final season in charge. They’ve flown under the radar recently, not having lost since mid-June.
Tom Trbojevic has been fantastic at centre while star second rower Haumole Olakau’atu will return from injury this weekend. Their outside backs have been impressive, particularly Reuben Garrick and the man who shafted Tommy T to centre, Lehi Hopoate, who underpin their dangerous backline.
A crucial battle will unfold in the forwards. The Bulldogs’ pack, led by Max King, Jacob Preston, and Viliame Kikau, versus Manly’s effort-hungry engine room featuring Olakau’atu and Jake Trbojevic. Expect a tight tussle in the forwards. In the backs, Xerri against Trbojevic promises fireworks, but Cherry‑Evans’ control at 7 could tip a close contest.
The Bulldogs’ emotional tribute to ’95 and home‑ground familiarity may lift them — yet Manly’s form recovery and finals hunger suggest a razor‑tight affair, particularly with the Bulldogs’ attacking issues.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Manly by 6
See our full Round 21 Predictions (live Wednesday 12pm) here: 2025 NRL Tipping: Round 21 Writer Predictions
Have your say: Who wins? Drop your tip in the comments or vote in our poll.
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