Accor Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 26 NRL game between Canterbury Bulldogs and Manly Sea Eagles. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Canterbury Bulldogs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Manly Sea Eagles game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday August 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Where: Accor Stadium

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Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles Odds

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview

Canterbury’s and Manly’s NRL finals returns are confirmed, but the Bulldogs are still pushing for a top-four finish, while the Sea Eagles are striving to stay in the frame for a home elimination final.

The Bulldogs have won five in a row – including the last three by 16-plus margins – and are chasing six straight for the first time since 2015.

They overcame a sloppy start and an emotional occasion at Mt Smart Stadium to run out comfortable 34-18 winners over the Warriors last Friday (albeit aided by a couple of sin-bin non-calls). The Bulldogs played the conditions superbly with Toby Sexton’s and Matt Burton’s kicking game crucial.

Stephen Crichton’s suspension sees Jacob Kiraz move to centre and Jeral Skelton come in on the wing – a combination that flourished in the big win over Brisbane a few weeks back. Jaeman Salmon starts at lock for injured Kurt Mann and Josh Curran returns from a one-week layoff on the bench.

Manly’s outside chance of a top-four berth evaporated with a 34-26 upset loss to Wests Tigers, hampered by having three players sin-binned. Tom Trbojevic grabbed a hat-trick but it was the Sea Eagles’ equal-worst defensive effort of the season and a sizeable wake-up call.

Tommy Talau is back at centre, with Tolu Koula reverting to a bench that also includes Ethan Bullemor. Corey Waddell is out suspended.

The Sea Eagles have won nine of their last 10 against the Bulldogs, including both 2023 encounters by 18-plus margins.

Adding to the Bulldogs’ edge in overall form and their NRL-best defensive record, the Bulldogs have also won their last seven straight at Accor Stadium. The Sea Eagles have won just two of their last eight away from 4 Pines Park.

A team with DCE and Turbo can never be counted out, but the Bulldogs’ relentlessness without the ball should again prove the difference.

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Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles Tip

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles Teams

Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Eli Clark 20. Jack Underhill 21. Drew Hutchison 22. Blake Taaffe 23. Lipoi Hopoi

Sea Eagles team:1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Tolutau Koula 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Karl Lawton 20. Jamie Humphreys 21. Clayton Faulalo 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong