Accor Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 9 NRL game between Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers. The game kicks off at 3:00 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. Wests Tigers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday May 4, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Where: Accor Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers Odds
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers Preview
Having just squeezed into the Top 8 following last weekend’s bye, Canterbury is now poised to achieve its first consecutive victories since March of the previous year. They face a Wests Tigers team that is currently mired in a four-game losing streak and eager to recapture the form they showed earlier in the season.
The Bulldogs entered their Round 8 hiatus riding a wave of momentum, having secured commendable victories against Gold Coast, Sydney Roosters, and Newcastle, and showing strong resilience in defeats to Souths and Melbourne. Key performances from Matt Burton, Reed Mahoney, and Josh Curran highlighted their recent 36-12 thrashing of the Knights. Connor Tracey has solidified his position as fullback, while Viliame Kikau continues to deliver pivotal, game-changing plays.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have shown flashes of potential even in recent defeats to the 2023 grand finalists, following earlier losses to the Dolphins and Dragons. However, despite a notable 32-6 victory over Cronulla, scoring remains a significant challenge for the struggling Tigers.
The team lineup for the Tigers remains the same for this matchup, whereas Canterbury has made a few adjustments. Kurt Mann is set to play in the No. 13 jersey, and there’s potential for Jacob Preston to make a comeback from a three-game absence due to a jaw injury.
Historically, the Bulldogs have had the upper hand in recent encounters with the Tigers, including a 26-22 win at Belmore Oval in their only meeting last year.
Canterbury’s record at Accor Stadium has been mixed with five wins and six losses since the start of last season, while the Tigers have not won in their last nine games at this venue.
It may be premature to label Canterbury as a team of consistent performers, but the noticeable improvements under Cameron Ciraldo’s leadership in both offensive and defensive play over the past five games make another win appear increasingly probable.
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Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers Tip
We're tipping Canterbury Bulldogs to win at $1.26 odds.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers Teams
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Blake Taaffe 19. Blake Wilson 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Toby Sexton 22. Jacob Preston 23. Jake Turpin
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Samuela Fainu 13. John Bateman 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole 18. Jake Simpkin 19. Starford To’a 20. Asu Kepaoa 21. Alexander Lobb 22. Solomona Faataape