Vote now: Who will win?
Isaako scores for Dolphins
The Dolphins are looking sharp tonight and take a deserved lead thanks to a sweeping play to their right. It ends with Jamayne Isaako diving over and touching down in fine style. The Dogs have another challenge coming their way. Dolphins lead 6-2 after 13 minutes
Dogs take early lead
Matt Burton kicks a penalty goal to give Canterbury first points, but Kurt Donoghoe’s health is the main concern. What looks a badly-broken nose had players from both sides looking a little worried. Donoghoe wanted to continue but thankfully common sense prevailed.
Joey’s left-field Galvin idea
View from the ground
By Kayla Olaya
The errors are already starting to affect the Bulldogs who appear to be less prepared to front the heavy rain than the Dolphins, where the rain is coming in sideways into the stadium. Tracey handed the Dolphins a penalty in the fifth minute, with the ball slipping through his fingers. Not the best start for the Bulldogs, and the Dolphins look strong.
Dolphins testing Bulldogs defence
Isaiya Katoa is looking busy in the early stages. If not for a great Josh Curran tackle, Felise Kaufusi would have been through. Then a last tackle raid almost resulted in a try. 0-0 after 7 minutes
Game on
The Dolphins kick-off and the Bulldogs have first use of the ball. Now for the challenge of not dropping it. That will be a constant test for the duration of this match.
Game time nears
We’re just a few minutes from kick-off, and this could come down to whichever team best handles the rainy, slippery conditions. Also, a massive shout out to the fans braving the conditions at Sydney Olympic Park.
Brave Bulldogs fans ahead of the match against the Dolphins.Credit: Getty Images
The latest flood news
For anyone seeking information on the terrible floods affecting parts of NSW, here is the Herald’s live coverage.
NSW Premier Chris Minns visits flood-affected Raymond Terrace on Thursday.Credit: Dean Sewell
The Enhanced Games
The return of Enhanced Games chatter this week reopened a massive can of worms. We had James Magnussen’s declaration of the performance-enhancing drugs he was taking and how it would be all worth it if he bagged a $1 million prize for being the first competitor to set a world record. Well, the ink was barely dry on those words before a swimmer from Greece beat him to it.
Then came a line of strong questioning from Peter FitzSimons.
James, James, James. I reckon I speak on behalf of most of the nation when I say … WTAF? What are you doing?
Fitting questions, indeed.
James Magnussen ahead of his world record attempt.Credit: Enhanced Games
Never rule out the Bulldogs
In the last two weeks, Canterbury have trailed 20-0 (to Canberra) and 14-0 (to the Roosters) and won both times. Both matches had Dogs fans thinking a second loss was on the way before a pair of flying finishes sent them home happy. Surely, coach Cameron Ciraldo and his players have no intention of needing another such escape tonight.
If they do make it three such efforts in a row, fans, players, and club staff could be excused for humming this tune over the weekend.
