Live: Depleted Bulldogs fight to hold top spot on NRL ladder

Phins kick us off, running right to left.

Going with Canterbury, mainly because their spine is intact, but I do give the Phins a big shot at the upset.

I like the two Phins backrowers, Finefuiaki and Keeley, to score and Xerri for the Dogs.

We’re in the Origin impacted rounds of the season, so both sides are missing some firepower.

The Dogs won’t have Stephen Crichton or Max King, who are both playing for New South Wales while the Phins are without Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who is representing Queensland.

Both teams have copped some injuries as well. Canterbury added Jacob Kiraz to the injury ward with a calf problem while luckless Dolphins forward Tom Gilbert has been sidelined with a pectoral injury.

One change for both sides.

For the Bulldogs, Lipoi Hopoi moves back to the bench with Sam Hughes coming into the starting side.

The Phins have a swap in the second row with Oryn Keeley starting and Connelly Lemuelu going back to the pine.

Hey everybody, thanks for tuning in to our NRL blog for the Thursday night clash between the Bulldogs and the Dolphins.

It’ll be a wet one at Stadium Australia – and if you’re an area affected by the rain I hope you’re staying safe – and both teams are without more than a few of their stars.

Still plenty to play for though. Canterbury will be looking to hang onto top spot on the ladder while the Dolphins will fight to stay in touch with the eight.

I’m Nick Campton and I’ll be steering us through tonight. Sit back, relax and let’s have some fun.

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