The final round of the regular NRL season kicks off early as the Broncos host the Bulldogs on Thursday night.
Brisbane’s season came to an end last week when, despite leading 14 – 0 and dominating the first half of the match against Newcastle, they were unable to defend their lead and defeated 26 – 18.
As was the case in the previous week, Brisbane allowed for soft tries near their own goal line and this current weakness well be exposed by Canterbury’s big forward pack.
Canterbury were slow off the mark last week and trailed their opponents Penrith early before gaining the upper-hand and clearing out to win by twenty points (34 – 14).
The win cemented the Bulldogs a final spot whilst at the same time, ending Penrith hopes playing on past this weekend.
Whilst the win was a comfortable one in the end, Canterbury Coach Des Hasler made no secret of the fact that his side would have to improve again before the finals.
They get their chance here to remedy their form before it’s too late.
Brisbane, who will miss the finals for only the second time in twenty-one years, will want to go out swinging and should prove solid competition for Canterbury however, the Dogs have won four of their last five against Brisbane and with a focus on producing an effort worthy of finals football, will be too strong.
TIP: CANTERBURY 1 – 12.
Odds Comparison by NRL odds:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Brisbane Broncos | 2.45 | 2.40 | N/A | 2.40 | 2.45 | N/A |
|
Canterbury Bulldogs
|
1.55 | 1.58 | N/A | 1.58 | 1.55 | N/A |
Teams:
Brisbane Broncos:
Josh Hoffman, Corey Oates, Jack Reed, Alex Glenn, Jordan Kahu, Scott Prince, Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Peter Wallace, David Stagg, Dunamis Lui, Lama Tasi, Scott Anderson
Canterbury Bulldogs
Josh Morris, Mitch Brown, Krisnan Inu, Timoteo Lafai, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, James Graham, Tony Williams, Josh Jackson, Dale Finucane. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Tim Browne, Sam Kasiano, Martin Taupau, Lachlan Burr
