The concluding game on NRL Super Saturday may not excite many fans but it does promise to be an intriguing contest as the Dragons host the Bulldogs. Fighting their own battles as the conclusion of the regular season approaches, neither will want to drop a game against one of their traditional rivals. Regardless of where they sit on the ladder, this game promises to be an exciting fixture. Before You Bet is here to help find a winner with a detailed look at what is ahead.
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Dragons vs Bulldogs Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 25 2026
A win but still stuck at the bottom
On the road against the Tigers, the Dragons held on for a narrow 24-22 victory which was spirited and provides hope moving forward. As ugly as it was, they will take the 2-competition points. With just 47% possession they completed at 82% which gave them the ability to run for 9.5m per carry and create 5 line breaks. It demonstrated their attacking ability; they still have their shortcomings in defence though. Missing 30 tackles, better teams will make them pay for their mistakes in the future. Perhaps this demonstrates their immaturity, and it will give them an area to focus on in the closing weeks of 2026.
Hanging on by a thread
A 22-6 home loss to the Rabbitohs had the Bulldogs facing elimination from the NRL Finals but their hopes were kept alive courtesy of another shock result. With their fate in their hands, the Bulldogs were disappointing. They were outplayed in every way. With just 45% possession, they completed at 77% and made just 7.7m per carry. This saw them also create just 1 line break and miss 41 tackles. Given such a performance with everything to play for, doubt remains whether they deserve the opportunity to progress beyond the regular season.
Stats that matter
- These two sides met in Round 1, which was held in Vegas, where the Bulldogs narrowly prevailed 15-14. This means the Bulldogs have won 7 of the past 8 games between these two sides. Neither has a positive record at this ground though (Dragons 39% vs Bulldogs 49%).
- In the past 5 games between these two sides, the average margin of victory is 12.2 points, with 3 games decided by 8 points or less. The average total points scored in those matches is 41.8.
- It is no surprise that the Bulldogs are the superior team on both sides of the ball this season. They score 19ppg in attack, which is poor, but better than the Dragons 16ppg. The Dragons concede too many, averaging 28ppg compared to the Bulldogs 22ppg.
An ugly but winnable contest
Despite the standing on the ladder, there is little between these two sides. The improvement shown in the Dragons recently is to be admired; they are well placed to make it 3 consecutive victories. Had they been at full-strength, they would be considered a strong chance. The Bulldogs have their shortcomings and are trying to avoid 3 consecutive losses; with their Finals hopes in the balance, their best is also expected. As close as it will be for majority of this contest, the Bulldogs have an edge in class. Bringing Xerri into the centres adds another dimension to their attack and he will trouble the Dragons in this area.
The visitors will be the first to admit they need to find another dimension to their inconsistent attacking patterns. Despite this, their forwards are strong enough to set a strong platform over their opponents. It’s interesting that the Dragons are persisting with Cook on the bench as they look towards developing players beyond 2026. That mindset is good if players are out to prove a point, but it can also mean experience is absent. The visitors should prevail but will need a strong performance to ensure this occurs. With that in mind, they should win by no more than 2 converted tries.
Bulldogs 1-12
$2.75 (1 unit)
Dragons vs Bulldogs Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 43.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Sloan to score – he has been in great form recently with 4 tries from his past 5 games. Sloan also enjoys playing at this stadium, scoring 3 tries from his past 5 games. Here.
Leg 3 = Xerri to score – on the outer at his club, it has been a few quiet games recently for Xerri. With minimal chances coming his way, he will want to make a statement in this game. Xerri has the speed and power to worry opposition defenders from anywhere on the field.
Dragons vs Bulldogs Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 22nd August
Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Time: 7:35pm (AEST)
Odds: Dragons $2.60 vs Bulldogs $1.50
Line: +6.5
Points: 43.5
Where to Watch Dragons vs Bulldogs
Watch the Dragons vs Bulldogs match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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