Wests Tigers Vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Leichhardt Oval, Saturday, July 19
Kick-off: 1.45pm
Referee: Daniel Olford
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Steele Sports Radio (Link available via www.steelesports.com.au)
Summary: The Wests Tigers bounced back from an indifferent first forty minutes against the Bears to post an 18 point win last weekend, while the Bulldogs came from behind to snatch a draw against the Cutters.
We made mention last week that while the Dogs finals hopes were over, they loomed as a side that could disrupt others on the run to September, and that proved to be the case last Saturday.
In fact, had it not have been for some inaccurate goal kicking, the Dogs might have well claimed both competition points.
John Sila scored his first try for the Tigers last weekend and he will no doubt be looking forward to pulling on the boots against his old club here.
Kurtis Rowe has been named to return from injury for the Tigers which should help alleviate some pressure on the likes of Jack Madden and Michael Stevens in the halves.
The Bulldogs backline looked sharp, particularly in the second half against the Cutters, so the Tigers defence will need to be on their guard this Saturday, otherwise an upset may well be on the cards.
This VB NSW Cup clash will be followed by the annual Women’s Interstate Challenge between NSW and QLD, so get to the ground early and settle in for a full day of footy action.
Second Chance Draw: A top four finish is so vital to a sides premiership chances as it gives them that all important second bite at the apple.
Take last year for example.
The Cronulla Sharks finished the season as minor premiers, however they went down to the Windsor Wolves 24-22 in week one, but then bounced back, thanks to the second chance, with three consecutive victories to claim the premiership.
The Tigers, despite sitting in third spot, will still be looking in the rear view mirror over the concluding rounds.
A number of the chasing sides below the Tigers have a bye in hand and comparable for and against, so the gap between them and the pack is not as great as it may appear.
It is important that the Tigers keep winning to maintain their spot and that needs to start here.
