The first game of NRL Super Saturday takes place in Homebush with the Bulldogs hosting the Warriors. Powering their way into the Top 8, opponents are now taking greater notice of what the Bulldogs are capable of. The Warriors will be desperate to defeat a team above them on the ladder and need a victory. The stage is set for an exciting clash and Before You Bet is here to guide you through the action ahead with a complete preview of this match.
2024 NRL Round 18 Preview & Betting Tips
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors
Accor Stadium – Saturday 6th July – 3pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Bulldogs produced a grinding display last week to capture a 15-14 Golden Point victory over the Sharks at home. Starting the game strongly with two tries in 13 minutes, they conceded a 12-6 HT lead in the second half. When the result looked in danger, they displayed poise in defence and shut down their opponents’ options. A 76th minute penalty extended the game, and they took their chance and closed out the match. It was arguably their best result, overcoming several setbacks statistically too; with 52% possession they completed at 87%, overcame just 7.5m per carry and making fewer PCM’s. Even missing 45 tackles didn’t halt their execution. They were rewarded by moving into 6th on the competition ladder.
The Warriors needed a victory over the Broncos last week following a 60-point defeat to the Titans in Round 16. Thankfully, they were able to put that performance behind them and prevailed with a 32-16 result seeing them outplay their opponents over 80 minutes. It was a much-improved effort, dictating the terms of the contest with a 55% share of possession and 81% completion rate. They dominated the middle too, averaging 9.7m per carry and making 615 PCM’s. They missed just 25 tackles and managed to hold firm defensive when the Broncos were challenging their line. If they want to continue to climb up the ladder, they must demonstrate consistency and producing a similar performance here will go a long way to helping their chances of doing so.
Match Prediction
The recent form of the Bulldogs has them well placed to continue their successful run of performances in 2024. Their gritty and determined effort should be taken for what it is; they are a team which is growing in belief and such results will only see that cultivate. That will only take them so far though and, dealing in fact, they still have their shortcomings; they gave opportunities away last week and were (somewhat) lucky to avoid losing the match. They are a team who tries hard but is still lacking a key level of poise and execution at halfback and fullback. That changes this week as Tracey returns to fullback, meanwhile, the Warriors take the same 17 into this match. The fact that they performed so well without Johnson in the side (refer to previous NRL Power Rankings) provides clarity over where this team is heading. They were strong last week but will need to lift to a new level if they are to be successful here.
The Bulldogs are not as certain to win this match as the odds suggest ($1.53 vs $2.50). Then again, the inconsistency of the Warriors creates doubt on them also. The Warriors are a capable team on their day, and they can provide an upset to extend their unbeaten streak over the Bulldogs to 7 matches. Defence is the key for each team. As they average the same points in attack (21ppg), this will be the deciding factor. So far in 2024, the Bulldogs have allowed only 16ppg compared to the Warriors 23ppg. The line is only set at 5.5 points, and this further supports the call that this game will be a close contest. Invest according but keep your stake low.
Either Team by 10.5 Points or Less
$1.95 (2 Units)
