For the third time in their short NRL coaching careers, former colleagues Andrew Webster and Cameron Ciraldo go head-to-head in today's 18th-round tussle between the One New Zealand Warriors and Canterbury Bankstown.
They were fellow assistant coaches under Ivan Cleary at Penrith before embarking on their head coaching roles last season.
While Webster guided the Warriors within one win of the grand final, Ciraldo's debut season saw the Bulldogs finish 15th. In the two clashes between the two sides the Warriors came out winners each time.
But Ciraldo has Canterbury Bankstown in resurgent mood this season, running sixth in the competition heading into today's clash at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
They won a nail-biter against the Sharks last week and now eye the chance to knock off another of last year's finalists in the Warriors.
Already boasting one more win than they managed in all of 2023, Ciraldo's men have built their season on a new-found defensive resolve with only the Panthers having conceded fewer points.
That willingness to scramble and scrap for everything is sure to be tested by a dangerous Warriors outfit that found its groove to run in six tries in a 32-16 defeat of the Broncos last Saturday.
With Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita calling the shots in style the Warriors put their embarrassing 60-point mauling from the Titans well and truly in the rear-view mirror, although they still sit three points outside the eight with eight games to play.
Match: Bulldogs v Warriors
Round 18 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Warriors is number 3 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Blake WilsonWinger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby SextonHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Te Maire Martin
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel HughesProp for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Marata Niukore
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kurt Capewell
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt MannLock for Warriors is number 15 Dylan Walker
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Bailey HaywardInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Freddy Lussick
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Josh CurranInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Jazz Tevaga
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Jackson Ford
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Lipoi HopoiInterchange for Warriors is number 23 Leka Halasima
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Jeral SkeltonReplacement for Warriors is number 20 Taine Tuaupiki
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Team news
Bulldogs: Connor Tracey (concussion protocols) is back in the No.1 jersey so Jacob Kiraz reverts to the wing and Jeral Skelton slides to 18th man. Kurt Mann's return from suspension on the bench pushes Blake Taaffe to the reserves. No changes 24 hours before kickoff, with Skelton and Harry Hayes the two reserves in the extended squad.
One New Zealand Warriors: The Warriors have been dealt a major blow with captain Tohu Harris ruled out of the match and set for an indefinite stint on the sidelines with a wrist injury. Dylan Walker comes into start at lock, with Bunty Afoa coming on to the bench in jumper No.22.
Stat attack
- The Bulldogs have won their past six games at Accor Stadium.
- The Warriors have won their past six games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs have conceded the fewest tries in the competition this season.
- Warriors second-rower Kurt Capewell will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has won seven from seven against the Warriors (when he was with the Panthers).
Match: Bulldogs v Warriors
Round 18 -
home Team
Bulldogs
5th Position
away Team
Warriors
13th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
