Bulldogs’ Halves Quandary Ahead of Good Friday Showdown
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are facing a significant selection puzzle in the halves as they gear up for their traditional Good Friday clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. With uncertainty clouding the team’s playmaking positions, winger Marcelo Montoya has admitted to having “no idea” who will steer the ship in the crucial Round 5 fixture.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo made a mid-game switch during the Round 4 loss to Newcastle, shifting Matt Burton to centre and Stephen Crichton to five-eighth in attack, while Sean O’Sullivan was brought into the game for the final 20 minutes. This tactical reshuffling, however, did not yield the desired results for the Bulldogs and has once again ignited debate around Matt Burton’s long-term role and the overall composition of the team’s spine.
Speaking on Nine’s The Today Show on Monday morning, Montoya candidly expressed his bewilderment regarding the team’s lineup. “No idea to be honest,” he stated when questioned about the upcoming match. “I didn’t even know that happened on the weekend; I was on the right side and didn’t realise Critta had gone into five-eighth. I don’t know what’s gonna happen – we’ll see how we go.”
The Bulldogs’ predicament highlights a broader trend across the competition, with other clubs also grappling with the absence of key spine players. St. George Illawarra, Parramatta, and Penrith are all experiencing significant disruptions to their playmaking departments. Wide World of Sports provides an early look at the predicted teams and team news heading into Round 5.
Round 5 Fixtures and Team News
Thursday
Dolphins vs. Manly Sea Eagles
- Venue: Redcliffe Stadium
- Time: 8:00 PM
Dolphins Predicted Team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Tom Gilbert
9. Max Plath
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Thomas Flegler
16. Oryn Keeley
17. Ray Stone
18. Trai Fuller
19. Francis Molo
Dolphins Team News:
The Dolphins are expected to make just one change, with Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) likely to return on the bench, replacing Brad Schneider.
Sea Eagles Predicted Team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Clayton Faulalo
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Brandon Wakeham
15. Corey Waddell
16. Simione Laiafi
17. Nathan Brown
18. Paul Bryan
19. Josh Feledy
Sea Eagles Team News:
Ethan Bullemor (Achilles) and Jason Saab (suspension) are out this week. Experienced prop Siosiua Taukeiaho (calf) is set to return, and Clayton Faulalo is likely to fill the vacant wing spot. New coach Kieran Foran may also consider unforced changes.
Friday
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
- Venue: Accor Stadium
- Time: 4:05 PM
Rabbitohs Predicted Team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Jack Wighton
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. David Fifita
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Cameron Murray
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Lachlan Hubner
16. Sean Keppie
17. Thomas Fletcher
18. Jayden Sullivan
19. Moala Graham-Taufa
Rabbitohs Team News:
Campbell Graham (back) is anticipated to return from injury following the Round 4 bye, which would see Moala Graham-Taufa omitted. Brandon Smith (calf) is nearing a comeback and could be included in the extended squad. If cleared, Peter Mamouzelos is expected to start at hooker, with Smith and Bronson Garlick on the bench.
Bulldogs Predicted Team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Enari Tuala
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Sitili Tupouniua
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Lipoi Hopoi
17. Sean O’Sullivan
19. Jonathan Sua
20. Fletcher Baker
Bulldogs Team News:
Josh Curran (ribs) might be sidelined after sustaining an injury against the Knights. However, the main focus remains on Cameron Ciraldo’s decisions regarding the spine. Matt Burton could shift to centre, Sean O’Sullivan might come into the halves, and Stephen Crichton also featured at five-eighth last week. Young halfback Mitchell Woods (hamstring) is still unavailable due to injury.
Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm
- Venue: CommBank Stadium
- Time: 8:00 PM
Panthers Predicted Team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Paul Alamoti
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To’o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Jack Cogger
15. Billy Phillips
16. Scott Sorensen
17. Luke Garner
18. Izack Tago
19. Jack Cole
Panthers Team News:
Mitch Kenny (suspension) will be absent after a hip-drop tackle last weekend. This will likely see Freddy Lussick start at hooker.
Storm Predicted Team:
1. Sua Faalogo
2. William Warbrick
3. Nick Meaney
4. Moses Leo
5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
6. Cam Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Joe Chan
12. Alec MacDonald
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Cooper Clarke
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Davvy Moale
18. Shawn Blore
19. Manaia Waitere
Storm Team News:
Jack Howarth (hip) left the field against the Cowboys and is unlikely to play. Nick Meaney could return at centre to replace him. Craig Bellamy might consider other changes, with Shawn Blore a potential inclusion.
Saturday
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. North Queensland Cowboys
- Venue: Kogarah Oval
- Time: 5:30 PM
Dragons Predicted Team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. Moses Suli
4. Val Holmes
5. Tyrell Sloan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Daniel Atkinson
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Hamish Stewart
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Hame Sele
16. Jacob Halangahu
17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
18. Josh Kerr
19. Mat Feagai
Dragons Team News:
Kyle Flanagan (concussion) will be out for at least a week, with young playmaker Lyhkan King-Togia expected to step in. Toby Couchman (concussion) returns at prop, providing a timely boost, and Moses Suli (personal reasons) is also expected to be back in the centres.
Cowboys Predicted Team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Zac Laybutt
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Coen Hess
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Sam McIntyre
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Soni Luke
15. Kai O’Donnell
16. Griffin Neame
18. Thomas Mikaele
19. Liam Sutton
21. Matt Lodge
Cowboys Team News:
No changes are flagged following an impressive victory over the Storm. Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder) is close to returning but is likely to be back in Round 6.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Brisbane Broncos
- Venue: Cbus Super Stadium
- Time: 7:35 PM
Titans Predicted Team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Sialetili Faeamani
3. Jojo Fifita
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Lachlan Ilias
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Foutaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Arama Hau
12. Beau Fermor
13. Chris Randall
14. Kurtis Morrin
15. Klese Haas
16. Cooper Bai
17. Oliver Pascoe
18. Jett Liu
19. Max Feagai
Titans Team News:
No changes are anticipated after a significant win against the Dragons.
Broncos Predicted Team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Ben Hunt
15. Ben Talty
16. Aublix Tawha
17. Xavier Willison
18. Jaiyden Hunt
19. Josiah Karapani
Broncos Team News:
Josiah Karapani is expected to be dropped following an off-field incident. Grant Anderson (knee) will miss the next three months, while Payne Haas (shoulder) is likely to be named after missing Round 4 with an AC joint injury.
Sunday
Cronulla Sharks vs. New Zealand Warriors
- Venue: Shark Park
- Time: 2:00 PM
Sharks Predicted Team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. K.L. Iro
5. Sam Stonestreet
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Billy Burns
12. Briton Nikora
13. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Siosifa Talakai
15. Teig Wilton
16. Thomas Hazelton
17. Oregon Kaufusi
18. Braden Hamlin-Uele
18. Chris Veaila
Sharks Team News:
Briton Nikora (nose) is expected to return in the back-row, with Teig Wilton moving to the bench. No other changes are flagged after a win against Canberra.
Warriors Predicted Team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
4. Adam Pompey
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Tanah Boyd
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Jacob Laban
13. Erin Clark
14. Samuel Healey
15. Mitchell Barnett
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Morgan Gannon
18. Marata Niukore
20. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Warriors Team News:
Morgan Gannon (concussion) is due back and could feature on the bench. No other significant changes are expected at this stage.
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders
- Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
- Time: 4:05 PM
Knights Predicted Team:
1. Fletcher Hunt
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Jermaine McEwen
13. Mathew Croker
14. Thomas Cant
15. Tyson Frizell
16. Cody Hopwood
17. Pasami Saulo
18. Tyson Gamble
19. Harrison Graham
Knights Team News:
Trey Mooney (suspension) returns in the front-row, pushing Pasami Saulo to the bench. Five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe (knee) is expected to be named despite copping a knock during the side’s win against Canterbury.
Raiders Predicted Team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Simi Sasagi
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Noah Martin
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Zac Hosking
16. Ata Mariota
17. Morgan Smithies
18. Daine Laurie
19. Jed Stuart
Raiders Team News:
Josh Papalii (suspension) will return at prop, moving Morgan Smithies to the bench. No other changes are flagged at this stage.
Monday
Parramatta Eels vs. Wests Tigers
- Venue: CommBank Stadium
- Time: 4:05 PM
Eels Predicted Team:
1. Joash Papali’i
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Brian Kelly
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Jonah Pezet
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Jack Williams
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. Dylan Walker
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Sam Tuivaiti
16. Jack de Belin
17. Luca Moretti
18. Charlie Guymer
19. Araz Nanva
Eels Team News:
Isaiah Iongi (ankle) and Matt Doorey (knee) are both ruled out. Joash Papali’i is the likely fullback replacement, and Jack de Belin will join the bench.
Tigers Predicted Team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Tino Tavana
3. Sunia Turuva
4. Heamasi Makasini
5. Luke Laulilii
6. Jock Madden
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal
14. Tristan Hope
15. Sione Fainu
16. Royce Hunt
17. Alex Seyfarth
18. Latu Fainu
19. Jeral Skelton
Tigers Team News:
No changes are flagged following a strong win against the Warriors.
