3 minute read
After snapping a six-game losing streak to beat the Newcastle Knights last time out, the Brisbane Broncos will look to take another step closer to the top eight when they host the Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday.
It's been a tough spell for the Broncos but the return of halfback Adam Reynolds helped inspire a 30-14 victory over the Knights last time out to stop the rot.
The Bulldogs currently find themselves in sixth place on the ladder and will be hoping to end their miserable run of form against Brisbane when they face the 11th-placed Broncos at Suncorp Stadium this weekend.
. What: Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 15:00 (AEST), Saturday 27th July
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Brisbane Broncos 1.36, Canterbury Bulldogs 3.20
Opportunity for Broncos to make up ground
With seven rounds to go there is of course plenty of time for the Broncos to overturn the four-point gap between them currently and the Bulldogs, Dolphins and North Queensland Cowboys, who all sit on 24 points and rest inside the top eight.
However, with just one win in their last seven games, the Broncos have been well below the standards they set to reach last season's grand final.
It's little coincidence Brisbane's return to winning ways came with Reynolds' return, such is his influence on this side.
Saturday offers up a great opportunity to narrow the gap on a team above them on the ladder, with Brisbane winning all of their last five encounters with the Bulldogs.
The hosts are 1.36 for the win on Saturday, while the Broncos are also available at 1.95 with -10.5 in the Line market.
Bulldogs must end road woes
While the Bulldogs have come on leaps and bounds this season to find themselves right in the mix for finals football this year, they have been woeful on the road of late.
Just one win in their last nine away games is a sorry return and coach Cameron Ciraldo will be desperate for his side to end their miserable run of form at Suncorp Stadium.
Last winning against the Broncos on their own patch in 2015, Canterbury will be desperate to finally end their wait for a victory at Suncorp.
Skipper Stephen Crichton and forward Viliame Kikau both picked up knocks in the defeat to the Cowboys last time out but they are expected to start on Saturday.
Given their poor record in this fixture and at this venue, it's little surprise the Bulldogs are the 3.20 underdogs going into this one.
However, with Brisbane losing their last four games on home soil, if Canterbury are to bag a rare win at Suncorp Stadium, this weekend offers as good a chance as any.