A quick starts by the Broncos last week, always had the Bulldogs playing catch up in their opening round.
The Bulldogs trialled 14 – 0 early and only got on the board five minutes before the break with Josh Morris crossing for the Bulldogs’ first try of the season.
Another try 15 minutes into the second half had the Bulldogs two points behind and well positioned for the remainder of the game but a spirited defensive effort from the Broncos, coupled with some poor option taken by the Bulldogs, prevented them from hitting the front.
Brisbane scored late to seal the victory 18 – 12.
The Sharks hosted the Gold Coast Titans in their season opener last Monday night and did so without play-maker Todd Carney who joined Jeff Robson, Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington on the Sharks’ injury list.
A list that now also has Paul Gallen’s name on it after the Captain injured an ankle just prior to half-time and will now be missing for up to six weeks.
The full casualty ward at Cronulla meant that, despite losing 18 – 12 to Gold Coast, there effort was a commendable one.
It will not get any easier this week though with the key forward Andrew Fifita, who on Tuesday confirmed he was off to, ironically, the Bulldogs next year, facing a possible shoulder charge suspension.
It’s been a tough off-season and a now; it’ll be a tough start for the Sharks given their depleted line-up.
If Canterbury can tighten up an uncharacteristically lose effort last week, they should be able to win this game in a good manner and cover the line.
Odds Comparison:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
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| Canterbury Bulldogs | 1.30 | 1.40 | 1.36 | 1.40 | 1.30 | 1.40 |
| Cronulla Sharks | 3.55 | 3.00 | 3.25 | 3.00 | 3.55 | 3.00 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Teams:
Canterbury Bulldogs:
1. Sam Perrett 2. Mitch Brown 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Corey Thompson 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Ennis 10. James Graham 11. Frank Pritchard 12. Tony Williams 13. Dale Finucane 14. Josh Jackson 15. Pat O’Hanlon 16. Tim Browne 17. David Klemmer 19. Moses Mbye
Cronulla Sharks:
1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Jonathan Wright 6. Todd Carney 7. Daniel Holdsworth 8. Andrew Fifita 9. John Morris 10. Bryce Gibbs 11. Matt Prior 12. Wade Graham 13. Tinirau Arona 14. Isaac De Gois 15. Sam Tagataese 16. Tupou Sopoaga 17. Siosaia Vave 22. Chris Heighington
