NRL 2021: Wests Tigers v Canterbury Bulldogs, round 25 preview

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sun 5 Sep 2021, 03:09 PM

The Bulldogs will say goodbye to talented outside back Will Hopoate in a match that will see both sides playing for nothing more than pride.

If things go their way, Wests Tigers can finish as high as 11th. That still won't give their fans a lot to cheer them up over the summer, but it is still better than 13th.

Last-placed, or at least a share of it, has belonged to the Bulldogs all season.

They have a host of big-name players joining the club for 2022, meaning some of the team they'll send out on Sunday are facing uncertain futures.

Round 25 - Round 25 - Sunday 5 Sep

Full Time

Wests Tigers

Bulldogs

Venue: Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

Highlights Latest

The rundown

Team news

Wests Tigers: Moses Mbye (head knock) is out, with Zac Cini named at fullback and Kelma Tuilagi joining the bench. James Roberts will be the 18th man.

Mbye and Tui Simpkins were omitted from the initial 21-man squad on Saturday.

Wests Tigers have won their past three games against the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs: Kyle Flanagan was left out of the Canterbury team an hour before kick-off, with Jake Averillo to start at halfback.

Dylan Napa will start at prop in his final match for the club, with Jack Hetherington moving into the second row and Corey Waddell back to the interchange bench.

Watson Heleta will be Canterbury's 18th man.

Bailey Biondi-Odo and Falakiko Manu were omitted from the playing squad 24 hours before kick-off.

The Bulldogs are aiming to avoid a club record-equalling 11th straight loss.

Round 25 - Round 25 - Sunday 5 Sep

Full Time

Wests Tigers

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 20 Zac Cini

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Nick Meaney
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David Nofoaluma

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Corey Allan
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Tommy Talau

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Will Hopoate
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Michael Chee Kam

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Aaron Schoupp
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Ken Maumalo

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Jayden Okunbor
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jock Madden

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Brandon Wakeham
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke Brooks

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 21 Jake Averillo

Forwards

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Ava Seumanufagai
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jacob Liddle

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Sione Katoa
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Thomas Mikaele

Prop for Bulldogs is number 20 Dylan Napa
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Shawn Blore

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 10 Jack Hetherington
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Joe Stimson
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh Jackson

Interchange

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Joe Ofahengaue

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 11 Corey Waddell
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Jake Simpkin

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Ofahiki Ogden
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Tom Amone

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Chris Patolo
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 23 Kelma Tuilagi

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Jackson Topine

Reserves

Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 18 James Roberts

Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Watson Heleta

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 5/29/2023 4:40:50 AM

Key match-up

Stefano Utoikamanu v Jack Hetherington: The young Tiger has come of age in 2021, averaging 10 hit-ups and 100 metres per game as well as busting 35 tackles and crossing for six tries. He has been a shining light in another disappointing for Michael Maguire and will look to round out the season with another strong display.

Hetherington may sail close to the wind at times but he refuses to take a backward step regardless of a rival's reputation, as he showed against Manly on Sunday. It's the last hurrah for both these sides so expect the forwards to leave nothing in the tank.

Stat attack

The Wests Tigers can never be accused of letting their teammates take one-out runs. They have the most support runs, decoy runs and offloads in the NRL through 24 rounds.

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