Defending premiers the Wests Bulldogs travel to The Canal for a highly anticipated match with Bond University on Saturday.
The Bull Sharks sit at the top of the ladder on 34 points, but the Bulldogs are snapping at their tails in third position with 30 points, underlining the importance of the round 10 match.
Last time they met
This match-up opened the 2023 season and the Bull Sharks made a statement, defeating the Bulldogs 32-17.
The performance by the forwards proved the difference as they bullied the much bigger Bulldogs pack to give our electric backline the platform to pile on the points.
Usual suspects Tyler Campbell and Rhian Stowers both scored crucial tries.
Where will it be won
Back from suspension, Connor Pritchard was one of the best on the field last week against the Magpies.
“It was probably the first time we have played footy the way we know we can with that high tempo attacking rugby, so going forward we need to continue that style of game play,” he said.
Wests come to Bond looking for revenge and Pritchard understands the step-up required by his men up front.
“Wests have a big pack and will look to smash it up through the middle and this is where our physicality in defence will come into play,” he said.
“If we can shut them down in the forwards it will allow us to attack the way we want.’’
One to watch
The back three of Jayden Ngamanu, Stowers and Hamish Roberts have been cutting teams apart over the last few weeks but the test this match will be between the big men.
English lock Will Morrison will play a major role in bringing the physicality as well as controlling the lineout which will be an important component in the game.
Game times
Colts Two: 9:30am
Third Grade: 10:50am
Colts One: 12:10pm
Second Grade: 1:30pm
First Grade: 3:05pm
Premier Women: 4:50pm