It is a reduced round of NRL action this weekend with the showpiece event of State of Origin taking place next week. This doesn’t reduce the importance of these fixtures; in fact, winning during this stage could be imperative to the success of a team at the end of the year. To start this week, it’s the competition-leading Bulldogs hosting an inconsistent Dolphins team desperate for a win.
We bring you our best bets for the Bulldogs vs Dolphins matchup below, with odds thanks to Ladbrokes!
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs The Dolphins
Location: Accor Stadium
Date: 22nd May
Time: 7:50pm AEST
Odds: Bulldogs $1.40 vs Dolphins $2.95
Line: -7.5
Points: 41.5
Match Preview
It was another special for the Bulldogs in their 24-20 victory over the Roosters. For the second consecutive week, the Bulldogs entered HT scoreless. Down 14-nil, they needed to lift and did just that in the second half. They did this on the back of ball control; with an equal share of possession, they completed at 81% and averaging 8.9m per carry. It eventually became too much for their opponents. It wasn’t one of their best performances though, missing 36 tackles and conceding more metres, their desire allowed them to prevail.
The Dolphins fell short of the Warriors at home, losing 16-12. Like the Bulldogs, they too were kept scoreless in the first half. In fact, they had to wait until the final 10 minutes to score all their points. It was too little, too late by that stage as they ran out of time. They were their own worst enemy, completing at just 74% with 54% possession while failing to make use of the superior number of metres made (and PCM’s) to their advantage. They were also poor missing 30 tackles.
It is surprising to see the Bulldogs so short in this game. On top of the players missing due to representative duty, they are also battling injuries. While key players remain, they are too short given how they have also performed in the first half of matches recently. The Dolphins have their own absences to contend with, but they are better placed to perform well. They will have to overcome the Bulldogs rigid defence, which is the best in the league (15ppg vs 22ppg). The Bulldogs also have an edge in attack (26ppg vs 22ppg) and on top of their record at this ground (56% vs 0%) goes a long way to explaining why the home team is the preferred option. They’ve also won both matches played between the two sides. It’s tough to entertain; the preferred option at this stage is to take the visitors with the line in their favour. The loss of experience will hurt the Bulldogs, and it may just give the Dolphins a fighting chance in this game.
Dolphins +7.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 NRL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Leg 1: Total Points Over 41.5 – the average total in their only two matches is 42.5 points. The scoring averages of each team in 2025 suggests this will be surpassed, with poor weather in Sydney the only concern.
Leg 2: Dolphins to score the first try – it is no secret that the Bulldogs have struggled to start matches well recently. With the loss of key players, this could be their downfall again.
Leg 3: Farnworth to score – he has been in great form this season, scoring 6 tries. Most have come in recent weeks and with a strong defender in Crichton missing, he will relish the extra attacking room to excel.
SGM Odds: $8.00 at BoomBet
