Match Preview: NRL Round 4

Wests Tigers will look to bounce back with a win this Friday night when they take on 2014 Grand Finalists, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, at ANZ Stadium.

The Club’s second of three games in a row at the former Olympic venue, Wests Tigers battled away gamely last week but fell short against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, going down 20-6 in the end. They’ll again face a tough test this weekend against the Bulldogs, who irked out a close win over the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles last Friday night, but perhaps the biggest test facing Jason Taylor’s side this week will be the time factor.

Having only played against the Rabbitohs four days prior to Friday’s blockbuster, Taylor’s side face an uphill battle to be right for the match, with key forwards Aaron Woods and Dene Halatau both ruled out of the match. Rookie forward Lamar Liolevave has been called in to make his debut, while Kyle Lovett also joins the side, with the entire forward pack needing a big performance to match it against Des Hasler’s men.

It’s shaping as a big test for one of the youngest Wests Tigers sides in history as they take on their second 2014 Grand Finalist in as many weeks at ANZ Stadium.

Will they be able to step up and match it with their powerful opponents? Read on for a full match preview including team news, match analysis, statistics and more.

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Match Details

Date — Friday, March 27, 2015

Time — 7:35pm (Gates Open at 5:15pm)

Venue — ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park

TV, Live Stream and Radio Information

TV — Delayed Channel 9: 9:30pm kickoff (NSW and QLD)

Radio — Triple M Sydney 104.9FM

Live Stream — Delayed, NRL Digital Pass (subscription required)

Tickets and Membership

For as little as $65, you can catch six games at ANZ Stadium this year including some of the biggest Wests Tigers matches against the Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Roosters and more! Click here to secure your seat to Sunday’s clash and many more with a membership.

Tickets are available via Ticketek, with General Admission starting at $22 (click here).

Confirmed Squads

Delouise Hoeter has been named to make his first-grade debut on the wing, replacing Pat Richards (suspension). Aaron Woods (knee) and Dene Halatau (groin) are both late withdrawals from the side named earlier in the week, with rookies Lamar Liolevave and Kyle Lovett called into the side. Matt Lodge (knee) is replaced on the bench by Jack Buchanan while Kevin Naiqama is named despite a hand injury. The Bulldogs are unchanged from the side that beat the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 3.

2015 Recent Results

Wests Tigers

R1 — Wests Tigers 19 def. Gold Coast Titans 18

R2 — Wests Tigers 22 def. St. George-Illawarra Dragons 4

R3 — South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 def. Wests Tigers 6

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

R1 — Penrith Panthers 24 def. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 8

R2 — Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32 def. Parramatta Eels 12

R3 — Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 16 def. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 12

Match History

·       Against the Bulldogs — Played 29, Won 10, Lost 17, Drawn 2

·       At ANZ Stadium — Played 15, Won 6, Lost 9

Coach’s Comment

“Last Sunday was really tough. We had a number of injuries around that — we’re a bit bashed up this week. It was tough, and backing up in five days to play last year’s runners-up after playing last year’s premiers is a great challenge for us. But at the same time, it’s a great opportunity and the boys are excited to show that, whatever is thrown at them, they’re ready to play some good football…” (Jason Taylor, NRL Head Coach)

Three Key Facts

• Wests Tigers’ last win at ANZ Stadium came against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in this corresponding fixture last year (Rd.19, 2014, won 46-18)
• Through the opening three games of the year, Wests Tigers (64%) and the Bulldogs (68%) rank 14th and 15th for completion percentage.
• Since making the move to the Bulldogs and in to the No. 1 jersey, Brett Morris leads the league in kick receipts (26) and line-breaks (5).

2015 Key Player Stats