Two proud clubs will bring an end to disappointing seasons when the Bulldogs and Broncos meet on Thursday night at Accor Stadium. While finals are no longer a possibility for either side, there is still plenty to play for, with Canterbury looking to send its home fans into the off-season on a positive note and Brisbane farewelling star forward Payne Haas. After campaigns that promised far more, both teams will be desperate to finish 2026 with a performance that provides hope for the future.
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Matchday Details
Thursday, 3 September 2026 – 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney
📺 Nine Network / Nine Now / Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Grant Atkins | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Matt Burton, 4. Bronson Xerri, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Stephen Crichton (c), 7. Lachlan Galvin, 8. Max King, 9. Bailey Hayward, 10. Leo Thompson, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Jacob Preston, 13. Jaeman Salmon, 14. Jake Turpin, 15. Alekolasimi Jones, 16. Harry Hayes, 17. Josh Curran, 19. Jed Reardon, 20. Jack Underhill, 21. Logan Spinks, 22. Sean O’Sullivan, 23. Kurt Mann
Brisbane Broncos: 1. Hayze Perham, 2. Josiah Karapani, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Deine Mariner, 5. Grant Anderson, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Xavier Willison, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Jaiyden Hunt, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan (c), 14. Thomas Duffy, 15. Va’a Semu, 16. Jack Gosiewski, 17. Aublix Tawha, 18. Gehamat Shibasaki, 19. Ben Talty, 20. Cameron Bukowski, 21. Jesse Arthars, 22. Preston Riki
Match Preview
There might not be finals football waiting for either side, but Thursday night’s clash between Canterbury and Brisbane still carries plenty of meaning.
The Bulldogs and Broncos bring the curtain down on disappointing 2026 campaigns at Accor Stadium, and after seasons that promised considerably more, both would dearly love to walk away with something positive.
Canterbury enter Round 27 following a 24-10 loss to Penrith and have largely stuck solid with the same side. Connor Tracey remains at fullback, while Stephen Crichton continues his intriguing move into the halves alongside Lachlan Galvin. Matt Burton again lines up in the centres. Kurt Mann, who missed the Panthers game with a groin injury, has been named among the reserves and remains a chance of returning.
Brisbane have also resisted making wholesale changes despite being comprehensively beaten 46-20 by Melbourne last Thursday. Their biggest omission is Blake Mozer, who will miss the match under the NRL’s concussion protocols.
For Canterbury, this feels like an opportunity to give their supporters something to smile about after another season in which their defence and effort have often been easier to admire than their attack.
The battle through the middle should be worth watching. Max King and Leo Thompson face a serious challenge against Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, and if Brisbane are allowed to dominate that area, Ben Hunt and Ezra Mam have enough class to make Canterbury pay.
But the Broncos have hardly been a model of consistency themselves. Haas will play his last game in Broncos colours, which could very well inspire them.
That makes this one difficult to predict – and perhaps a little more entertaining. With nothing left to protect, hopefully both sides throw some caution to the wind.
For the Bulldogs, there’s also the chance to send the Accor Stadium faithful home happy and carry at least a little momentum into what shapes as an important off-season.
It hasn’t been the year Canterbury wanted. They can at least make sure it ends the right way.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Bulldogs by 16.
Full Round 27 tips → /nrl-round-27-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Lachlan Galvin scores a try.
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Related
- Full Round 27 coverage → /nrl/2026-season/round-27/
- NRL Round 27 Team Lists → /nrl-round-27-team-lists-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
- NRL Round 26 Review → /nrl-round-26-review-2026/
