NRL Round 20 Preview and Prediction - Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs @ Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane Broncos (4th) v Canterbury Bulldogs (13th) @ Suncorp Stadium
Preview - The Broncos will be looking to further enhance their Top 4 credentials when they take on the ailing Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. The Broncos were far from their best, but scored a crucial 34-22 victory over the last placed Knights in Newcastle last week in a game that was in the balance until the final 5 minutes. The Bulldogs are fresh off a bye after a last gasp 20-18 victory over the Knights in their first victory at Belmore in their last 5 attempts. The win did nothing to inspire confidence in the Bulldogs as a final’s prospect, however their faint hopes remain alive with them sitting on 7 wins in 13th spot, two wins off the 8th placed Dragons.
History - The Bulldogs have done well against the Broncos of late, winning 3 of the last 4 matches between the Clubs. Earlier this season, the Bulldogs beat the Broncos 10-7 in terrible conditions at ANZ Stadium, after they came into the game as a heavy underdog. However it's a different story at Suncorp with the Broncos being fairly dominant, winning 4 of the past 5 against the Bulldogs.
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos are close to being back at full strength with both Matt Gillette and Josh Maguire back after being rested against the Knights. With Darius Boyd still not back on the park, rookie fullback Jamayne Isaako is retained after he had a solid game against the Knights.
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - The Bulldogs welcome back their Origin trio of Brett Morris, David Klemmer and Josh Jackson in what is a desperate game if they want to keep their finals’ hopes alive. Kerrod Holland goes back to Reserve Grade despite his match winning kick last week, with both Sam Kasiano and Raymond Faitaler-Mariner going back to the bench.
Verdict - Broncos 13+
The Broncos should have too much quality at home for what is really a struggling Bulldogs’ side. The Bulldogs narrowly and luckily avoided what would have been an embarrassing home defeat to the Knights at Belmore in their last start. In that display, the Bulldogs fallibilities were on show once again including a genuine lack of speed and attacking options with the ball. Whilst they tackle well and always compete, I really don't think the Bulldogs are capable of competing and beating the better sides this year. The Broncos, back at home with the Origin period having finished, should be far too strong and expected to win this game by a couple of tries or more against a side that looks limited for mine.