NRL Round 21 Match Preview: Finals Rematch

Author: bulldogs.com.au & NRL.com
Timestamp: Wed 23 Jul 2025, 09:23 AM

Two teams who notched dramatic wins in Round 20 will go head-to-head in what is set to be an intriguing match-up to close out Round 21.

Last week, the Bulldogs left it until late to shake off a persistent Dragons with youngster Jethro Rinakama sailing over in the closing moments of the game for his second try in as many matches to seal the deal 20-18 for his side.

This week, they'll be looking to not only get one over Manly, the side who knocked them out of last year's finals campaign, but also celebrate the 30-Year Anniversary of the 1995 Premiership victory, appropriately against the same side on the same ground.

1995 Grand Final Highlights: Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles

After dominating the first half, the Sea Eagles then had to withstand a Melbourne Storm second half comeback in their Round 20 win, which moved them back into the top eight.

While he missed two conversion attempts, winger Reuben Garrick kicked two important penalty goals - including the winning two points in the 79th minute - and scored a try as well for a personal tally of 10 points in the 18-16 win.

Team News

Bulldogs: Centre Bronson Xerri is back from a groin injury so Enari Tuala slides to the wing and Jethro Rinakama makes way. Sam Hughes returns to the side at prop and Josh Curran reverts to the bench to fill the void left by Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring).

Sea Eagles: Edge back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu has been named to return from a shoulder injury in the only change to the side that stunned the Storm. Corey Waddell slides to the bench and Tommy Talau to 18th man. Jake Simpkin has been named to play despite failing to return to the field in Melbourne after a head injury assessment.

Round 21 - Round 21 - Sunday 27 Jul

Full Time

Bulldogs

Sea Eagles

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Lehi Hopoate
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau Koula
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Tom Trbojevic
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Enari Tuala

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton

Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Luke Brooks
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan Galvin

Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans

Forwards

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Matthew Lodge
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney

Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Jazz Tevaga
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon

Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Corey Waddell
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Harry Hayes

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh Curran

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Toafofoa Sipley
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Bailey Hayward

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 22 Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Reserves

Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Jethro Rinakama

Replacement for Sea Eagles is number 18 Tommy Talau

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 7/27/2025 11:24:13 AM

Stat Attack

The Bulldogs are chasing their 1000th win since the club’s inception in 1935.
The Bulldogs will be celebrating the 30-Year Anniversary of the 1995 Premiership side, that defeated Manly at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The Bulldogs will play at the new Allianz Stadium for the first time.
Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton has scored six tries in seven games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab will make his 100th NRL appearance.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.