State of Origin Game 3 on Wednesday has impacted Round 18 of the NRL, reducing fixtures and giving teams a rest. We are left with just 5 matches this weekend but as has been the case all season, a reduction in games does not mean a drop in quality. If anything, these are the games teams must win to maintain or establish momentum in the run towards the Finals. The opening match of the round will begin on Friday with an intriguing game between the Bulldogs and Broncos. Both sit inside the Top 8 as this game the makings of a great contest.
Bulldogs vs Broncos Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 17
The key is not losing focus
The Bulldogs were defeated 8-6 by the Panthers last week in a thrilling contest. As two genuine Finals teams went at it for 80 minutes, a winner prevailed only late, with the home team getting the better of their opponents. The Bulldogs can take plenty of confidence away from that match though; the only try they conceded came via a charge-down. They are the strong defensive unit they have suggested all season. By their standards, they can be better; they will look to improve upon their completion rate (72%) and missed tackles (32). They’ll also take confidence away from averaging 8.7m per carry, making more total metres and more PCM’s (644 vs 516).
Building Broncos
The Broncos needed a good performance against the Warriors to keep their momentum and delivered a 26-12 victory. A strong first half saw them lead 18-nil at HT, dictating the terms of the match for majority of the contest. They dominated possession (54%) and had a high completion rate (85%), while making significantly more metres (8.8m per carry), having 6 line breaks and missing just 17 tackles. It was a timely display which reminded the competition what they’re capable of. Now, they need to replicate that performance here.
Stats that matter
Why such a difference in price?
It is the right question to ask ahead of this match. Both teams have players absent on Origin duty, meanwhile, the Bulldogs are further hampered by injury. Key players remain in spine positions and both sides have proven capable of covering players in their absence. This is the first time the Broncos have been put in this situation, whereas the Bulldogs struggled against the Dolphins back in Round 12. There is not enough confidence in the home side to avoid a similar outcome and invest on them. Therefore, the preferred option is either team winning this contest by fewer than 2 converted tries. While it goes against the recent history, the quality missing appears as though it makes this contest even. If anything, it is a game which should be avoided altogether. The Bulldogs should win the match, but the Broncos still have a strong backline and forwards who can handle what the Bulldogs throw their way.
Either Team by 12 Points or Less
$1.72 (2 units)
Bulldogs vs Broncos Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total Points Over 44.5 – the average total in the past 5 games between these two teams is 55.4 points. The Round 8 fixture delivered 60 and a similar outcome, with a free-flowing contest, is anticipated here.
Leg 2 = Staggs to score – he has scored 3 tries in the past 5 weeks and appears to be hitting form at the right time of the year. Last week was another dominating display for him and he will be out to make a statement here.
Leg 3 = Xerri to score – it has been a lean few weeks for him, failing to score in the past 4 matches. Expect a bold return here, especially against a strong centre pairing that will look to challenge him at every possible chance.
Bulldogs vs Broncos Betting Odds & Match Info
Odds: Bulldogs $1.48 vs Broncos $2.65
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Where to Watch Bulldogs vs Broncos
Watch the Bulldogs vs Broncos match live on Channel 9 as well as ad free on Kayo Sports.
Tail our Bulldogs vs Broncos Tips at Ladbrokes!
