The Bulldogs head north for a home game to Bundaberg, with the Dolphins having the shorter journey as a Queensland team. Neither team is hardly performing well on the competition ladder or the NRL Power Rankings, but you can be assured that fans will still turn out to get a dose of exciting NRL action. BeforeYouBet is here to provide a detailed look at this contest, with the aim of finding a winner to add to your viewing enjoyment.
NRL Round 22 Preview & Betting Tips
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs The Dolphins
Salter Oval, Sunday 30th July, 2pm (AEST)
The Bulldogs faced a tough challenge last week against a full-strength Panthers team who had returning players from injury and representative selection. Looking as though they could be set for a 50+ margin with their opponents scoring more than a point a minute, the Bulldogs wrestled back momentum at different stages and were eventually defeated 44-18. They were unable to capitalise on a greater share of possession (52%), having fewer running metres, total metres, post contact metres and line breaks, while also missing 52 total tackles. Still amid a rebuild, the Bulldogs need greater consistency in their play.
The Dolphins are coming off the Bye following a 24-14 defeat by the Panthers in Round 20. Facing a weaker team compared to what the Bulldogs did, the Dolphins overcame a 12-4 HT deficit to lead 14-12 with just over 12 minutes remaining. Unfortunately, they were unable to close out the contest, conceding 2 late tries. With statistics relatively even between the two sides, the Dolphins will take confidence away from the fact that they create more line breaks (7 vs 5) and missed fewer tackles. They are a capable team when right and need to continue to be competitive if they are to keep their (slim) Finals hopes alive.
This is an ugly game to decide whether you want to part ways with your money unless you find the right option. The Bulldogs have had their flaws in recent weeks but so too have the Dolphins; they have both won just one of their past 6 matches. The form of each team suggests the Dolphins have an edge and this is supported by the odds on offer (Bulldogs $2.25 vs Dolphins $1.65). Given this is the first time these two sides have played one another, and the game is being played at a neutral venue, you must work on the record of each team this season. In attack, the Bulldogs have struggled to score points (17ppg) and leaked them defensively (31ppg). Since Round 15, they have allowed an opponent to score 30+ points in every match. In contrast, the Dolphins average more points in attack (21ppg) and concede fewer in defence (26ppg); given neither team is focussed defensively, the points total could be rather high (see Prop Bets).
Taking each team on face value, the Dolphins appear to have too much experience on the field to allow the Bulldogs to cause an upset. The inclusion of Marshall-King at hooker only improves this team and allows the halves to work off the platform set by the forwards with confidence. This should see the Dolphins cover the line.
Dolphins -3.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
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Dolphins to Win – See above for the reasons for this selection.
Total Points Over 49.5 – Reasons for this are also listed above. Expecting this to be a high-scoring affair.
Tabuai-Fidow to score – ‘The Hammer’ is the equal leading try scorer on 15 tries with Isaako and is a dangerous attacking threat from anywhere on the field. He needs to have a key contribution in this game if his team is to win.
SGM Odds: $4.20 at Picklebet (0.5 Units)
