NRL Round 14 Preview and Prediction - Canterbury Bulldogs v St.George Illawarra Dragons

Canterbury Bulldogs v St.George Illawarra Dragons @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - All eyes will be on an under siege Canterbury outfit coming off a heavy loss when they host the high flying Dragons at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Monday afternoon. The Bulldogs were desperately poor in their 38-0 loss to the Panthers, a third straight loss which sees them with just 5 wins from their opening 12 games and in real danger of missing the finals for the first time in six seasons under Head Coach, Des Hasler. Things are a lot rosier at the Dragons as they registered their 8th win of the season, winning 16-12 against the Wests Tigers despite being well below their best. The Dragons were one of the pre-season favourites for the Wooden Spoon, however Paul McGregor has completely revitalised his side’s attack, having scored the most points of any team this year, and sitting in 3rd spot on the Competition ladder halfway through the season. 

History - The Bulldogs have been utterly dominant over the Dragons in the past 5 years winning 9 of the last 10 matches. Last year when the sides clashed at ANZ Stadium the Bulldogs ran out convincing 34-16 winners. Overall the Dragons have won just 11 from 32 clashes against the Bulldogs. 
 
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - The Bulldogs welcome back 2 of their most senior players at just the right time, with Brett Morris and James Graham due back from injury.  However Josh Reynolsa has had his comeback delayed from a hamstring injury. The Bulldogs looked to have desperately missed the energy and park he brings to their side in their 3 games losing streak. Chase Stanley also comes into the centres with Kerrod Holland dropped from the side altogether. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - The Dragons name an unchanged side from the one that won, but were a long way below their best, against the Tigers. Gareth Widdop made a sensational return from injury with a 2-try display showcasing his strong running game in the process. 
 
Verdict - Bulldogs by 1-6 in an upset
 
You always get a response from the Bulldogs after a terrible performance and I expect that to be no different this week. Games against the Dragons are traditionally tough and physical, and I expect the Bulldogs to be far more competitive than they were last week. However it’s hard to see them mustering enough points to get over the top of a Dragons’ side that know how to win in different ways. The Dragons just look better in the key positions to me, and I expect them to match the Bulldogs in the forwards in what is sure to be a bruising encounter. I expect this game to be low scoring, however I can't see the Bulldogs mustering 4 tries which is what I think they will need to beat the Dragons