By Nathan Beuman
The St George Illawarra Dragons will tackle the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Monday (4.00pm).
The Dragons inflicted a large blow to their upcoming rivals the last time they encountered each other in a very much one-sided 31-6 win at the same venue in round 6.
The Dragons will enter the match this time around following a 42-6 victory over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, their biggest win of the season to date.
The Dragons continue to be the defensive benchmark of the competition, holding the Sharks to only six points, the fourth time this season they have held a team to a converted try or less.
The Bulldogs have been struggling of late, winning only twice since playing the Dragons in round 6 and will therefore be desperate to collect the two competition points to re-enter the top half of the competition table.
The Bulldogs will have the benefit of a much stronger line-up this with James Graham, Trent Hodkinson, Josh Morris and Josh Jackson all set to be added to the 17 that came away with a 41-34 last minute win over the Canberra Raiders two rounds ago.
The Dragons will have to make every opportunity with the ball count, with the Bulldogs committing only nine errors a game, second fewest in the competition behind the Melbourne Storm.
Team News
The Dragons have made only the one chance from last weekend with second-rower Joel Thompson returning to the starting line-up after missing the game against the Sharks with a hamstring injury.
As previously mentioned, the Bulldogs welcome back the return of NSW Blues representatives Trent Hodkinson, Josh Morris and Josh Jackson, while England representative James Graham returns from a knee injury.
Game Information
Gates Open: 1:40pm
NYC: 1:45pm
NRL: 4:00pm
