NRL Round 17 - Bulldogs v Raiders @ Belmore Sports Ground

Canterbury Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders @ Belmore Sports Ground
 
Preview - The Bulldogs will be aiming to make it back-to-back victories for the first time this season when they host a desperate Raiders’ side at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday night. The Bulldogs put aside losing Moses Mbye and Aaron Woods mid-season to produce arguably their best performance of the season with a 36-16 victory over the Knights, in a game when their attack scored a number of impressive tries. The Raiders put an exclamation mark on their season of clutching defeat from the jaws of victory, blowing a 16-0 halftime lead to lose to the Broncos 26-22. 
 
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - Dean Pay makes just the one change to  the side that played so impressively against the Knights last week. Danny Fualalo stars at prop for Blues rep David Klemmer, with Clay Priest joining the bench. Lachlan Lewis will be looking to impress further at Number 6 after making a solid First Grade debut last week. 
 
Canberra Raiders’ Scouting Report - Ricky Stuart has made a big change in his halves, with Blake Austin dropped to the bench, with Sam Williams called up at five-eighth. Siliva Havili goes to lock for Josh Pappali who is out on Origin duty. Josh Hodgson was once again outstanding last week in just his second game back from a knee injury. 
 
Verdict - Raiders by 8-16

 I know the Bulldogs were impressive last week, however I struggle to see them handling the Raiders here. The Raiders can be a hard team to trust, however even if they only do play for 50 minutes, it’s probably enough to overcome the Bulldogs who, despite being good last week, took advantage of a Knights’ side missing Pearce and having Ponga injured after 10 minutes. The Bulldogs will be missing David Klemmer, who has been massive for them this season, so I see the Raiders getting on top in the forwards and winning.