The Bulldogs are gearing up to face the Melbourne Storm this Friday night at Accor Stadium, and with the State of Origin period in full swing, both teams will be missing key players. This match will be a test for the young guns on both sides as they look to step up in the absence of their Origin stars.
Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo is welcoming back Jacob Kiraz to the Bulldogs' side, providing a timely boost after Captain Stephen Crichton's selection for the NSW Blues in Game I of the State of Origin series. Kiraz's return will add firepower to the Bulldogs' lineup, while Josh Curran and Marcelo Montoya also make a return to the extended bench.
On the other side, the Storm will be without the likes of Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Trent Loiero due to Origin duties. In their absence, Keagan Russell-Smith will step up at five-eighth for only his second NRL game, with Trent Toelau starting at hooker and Cooper Clarke at lock. Alec MacDonald returns to the bench, and Gabriel Satrick will make his NRL debut as a back-up hooker.
When it comes to the key match-up, all eyes will be on the battle between the Bulldogs' Matt Burton and the Storm's Keagan Russell-Smith in the five-eighth position. Both players will be looking to make their mark and lead their respective teams to victory in this crucial clash.
Despite Moses Leo's knee injury at Magic Round, he has been named on the wing for the Storm, adding an element of uncertainty to their lineup. The Bulldogs will need to keep a close eye on Leo's performance and adjust their defensive strategy accordingly.
As we head into Round 12, the Bulldogs sit in 13th position on the ladder, while the Storm are just below them in 15th place. With only two competition points on the line, both teams will be fighting hard to secure a win and climb up the ladder as we approach the halfway mark of the season.
So, be sure to tune in this Friday night as the Bulldogs take on the Storm at Accor Stadium. It's set to be a thrilling match full of intensity and excitement as these two teams battle it out on the field. Don't miss a minute of the action!