The concluding match on NRL Super Saturday will take place in Sydney with the Dragons hosting the Bulldogs. With both teams inside the Top 8 heading into this round of fixtures, the stage is set for a thrilling contest. Excitement is always high when these two sides meet and there will be no love lost between them. Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at the match ahead with the aim of finding you a winner to add to your viewing enjoyment.
2024 NRL Round 23 Preview & Betting Tips
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – Saturday 10th August – 7:35pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Dragons produced a stunning upset last week, traveling down to Melbourne and defeating the Storm there for the first time since 1999. Despite conceding the first points, they fought their way back to lead 12-10 at HT. Keeping the pressure on the Storm, they extended their lead in the second half and relied upon some resolute defence to lead them to victory. This, combined with only 23 missed tackles, made them capable with dealing with the fact that their opponents were averaging 10.7m per carry. They took their chances and will want to build on that performance here.
The Bulldogs produced another strong performance, this time defeating the Raiders 22-18 at their spiritual home ground of Belmore. In a tight affair, they did the little things right and were deserving of their victory. With 51% possession, they completed at 85%, made significantly more metres (averaged 8.9m per carry) and had 4 line breaks. With their opponents producing similar numbers, it was their execution which was the point of difference. They are building a nice record and relying upon their strong defensive structure to shut out opponents. Now, they are managing to do this for extended periods of time in matches.
Match Prediction
The performance of the Dragons last week has many doubting their original thoughts about this team. Without that performance, the Bulldogs would be far shorter than they are ($2.20 vs $1.67). Playing this game at Kogarah would usually help the home side, boasting a strong 59% record but the Bulldogs have won 70% of matches played here and hold no fear of traveling to this ground. Their fans are also expected to make the journey.
While even in attack this season (Dragons 20ppg vs Bulldogs 21ppg), this match will come down to defence. The Dragons have allowed 25ppg with a few blowout losses. The Bulldogs are at the other end of this statistic, having the second-best defensive record in the competition and allowing just 16ppg to their opponents. There is no reason why this will be any different. Their Round 12 match saw a commanding 44-12 victory to the Bulldogs and the Dragons will be out for revenge. As much as they desire overturning that result, the Bulldogs are in the prime position to win this contest.
The line (3.5) doesn’t appear as though it will be enough. Recent efforts in attack against the Bulldogs and Raiders have highlighted their potency and, as their team grows in confidence, expect a higher level of consistency leading to more points being scored. The Dragons will hang in this contest for a while; they are a rigid defensive team but can succumb to a series of poor mistakes. The Bulldogs will create a strong platform via a quick ruck speed and then exploit their opponents’ edges. The last thing they will need is to be drawn into a grinding contest.
Bulldogs -3.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Lomax is the leading try scorer for the Dragons this season with 11. His move to the wing has added a new dimension to his game and he will be out to prove a point in this match. Burton and Kiraz have scored 8 tries this season (equal with Crichton and JAC). Burton will be a threat when taking the ball to the line and will threaten the Dragons defensive line who may have eyes for other players. Kiraz is a threat in the air and on the ground. Much like Burton, expect him to take an opportunity when given to him.
Lomax, Burton and Kiraz to Score
SGM Odds: $13 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
