Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins Prediction: Bulldogs are expected to be at their best

National Rugby League action moves to Salter Oval in Bundaberg, where Canterbury Bulldogs will take on Dolphins. The two teams secured a win in their last league encounter. How will they respond in this fixture?

Canterbury Bulldogs made it three wins in consecutive matches the previous weekend against the St. George Illawarra Dragons and will look to extend their run. The Canterbury Bulldogs started strongly in that game with a 10-20 win at halftime. However, the second-half performance saw them show defensive solidity, failing to concede while scoring 8 goals. Ahead of this game, the Canterbury Bulldogs have won four of their last five matches, their lone defeat coming against the NQ Cowboys. This team has 30 points from 20 matches this season, 8 below league-leading Melbourne Storm. 

The Dolphins returned to winning ways against the New Zealand Warriors last weekend and will hope for the same outcome here. This team had a perfect lead at halftime, with a 20-6 in that half. However, their second-half performance was below par, losing by 16 margin in a 12-26 half. In the meantime, this team needed an extra time S O’Sullivan penalty goal to take maximum points in that game. Before that game, the Dolphins lost to the Penrith Panthers, Gold Coast Titans, and Sydney Roosters. The Dolphins occupy the last playoff spot with 26 points from 20 matches heading into this game 24.

Dolphins are not a side to be written off despite their struggles and inconsistent plays. However, the Canterbury Bulldogs can be said to be at their best right now, looking at their win record so far to this stage. While the two teams might play their heart out, I still trust Canterbury Bulldogs to win this one, with the high number of points.