The Roosters are staring down the barrel of an ugly loss to the Bulldogs which could have lasting implications with both Sam Walker and James Tedesco ruled out after suffering head knocks
Meanwhile Dom Young was sent off for a shocking high shot on Blake Taaffe which sparked an ugly melee.
It means Michael Jennings, 35, is back for his first game since 2020 when he copped a doping ban, with the 2013 premiership winner activated as the 18th man.
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Tedesco was ruled out after he was knocked out trying to tackle a rampaging Viliame Kikau just minutes after the independent doctor ruled Sam Walker to come from the field after Stephen Crichton’s knee caught him in the back of the head.
The Bulldogs had already raced to an 18-0 lead before Young was sent off after he jammed in off the wing and whacked Taaffe high, with Bulldogs players rushing in to show their displeasure after the fullback was knocked out cold.
The night started awfully with Young burning a challenge on the second play of the night, with the Bulldogs taking full advantage with three quick tries as Kikau and Matt Burton terrorised them down the left.
The Bulldogs stuck the boot in on the stroke of half time when Sam Hughes barged over for his first NRL try to extend the lead to 26-0.
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MATCH PREVIEW
The Bulldogs are hoping to finish off their 20-year reunion celebrations with a win when they take on the Roosters in wet and wild conditions at Accor Stadium on Friday night.
It’s been 20 years since the Bulldogs defeated the Roosters in the 2004 Grand Final. The legendary team has been around the club this week to celebrate — and will be honoured before the game.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo got the current squad to watch the ‘04 Grand Final in hopes it will spark a spirited win over the Tricolours.
But the Dogs will have to do it without three key players. Josh Addo-Carr is out due to a head knock, Jacob Preston has suffered a broken jaw and Kurtis Morrin is sidelined through a suspension. Liam Knight was also a late scratching.
To cover their absences, Jaeman Salmon shifts to the second row with Kurt Mann to start at lock and Kitiona Kautoga has joined the bench. Bronson Xerri has also been promoted to the backline to play his first NRL game in over four years.
Xerri last played in the NRL for the Sharks in 2019 before he received a four-year drugs ban.
For the Roosters, Lindsay Collins returns from a hamstring injury, while Angus Crichton will start in the second row and Nat Butcher has dropped out as they set out to make up for last week’s narrow loss to the Panthers.
It’s been pouring in Sydney all day with a month’s worth of rain coming down in the last 24 hours.
TEAMS
Bulldogs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 3. Jacob Kiraz 19. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 22. Chris Patolo 11. Viliame Kikau 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 10. Samuel Hughes 12. Josh Curran 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Kitione Kautoga. 18th man: 20. Toby Sexton
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 12. Angus Crichton 16. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 17. Terrell May 19. Egan Butcher. 18th man: 18. Michael Jennings
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