https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/07/10/canterbury-bulldogs-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-round-17-preview/
Bulldogs v Rabbitohs: Origin stars return as Souths shoot for nine straight
What else can you say about the Bulldogs?
Last Saturday they couldn't hold a 14-point lead when it mattered against the Raiders, and if that wasn't bad enough, it was in front of their long-suffering fans at Belmore.
This weekend's task is daunting to say the least - taking on the in-form Bunnies.
Key match up: Damien Cook v Michael Lichaa. It is hard to believe the much-maligned Canterbury hooker was once regarded as a future representative star. Cook's rapid rise from bench player to starting State of Origin number nine has been nothing short of amazing - as was the decision by the family club to release him in at the end of 2015.
For the Bulldogs to win: Despite losing last week in heartbreaking circumstances, the slick combination of young halves Lachlan Lewis and Jeremy Marshall-King was impressive. Rhyse Martin was also a standout, scoring a hat-trick. If the trio again fire, an upset could be on the cards.
For the Rabbitohs to win: More of the same. Even though they probably didn't deserve to beat the Cowboys in Cairns last start, the scoreboard shows otherwise. It was also the club's eighth successive win.
Bulldogs stat attack: Dean Pay's men have combined to chalk up the most post-contact metres (8218) in the league after 17 rounds. However, 271 ineffective tackles typifies their campaign to date.
Rabbitohs stat attack: The high-flying pride of Redfern are runaway leaders when it comes to try assists (49) and line-break assists (58). They have also engaged the line (221) more than any other team.
And another thing: Late four-pointers from Hymel Hunt and Cameron Murray sealed a dramatic four-point victory for the Bunnies on Good Friday. Expect to see Anthony Seibold's men again singing their team song in the sheds just before 5pm this Saturday.
