Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs News ..
Bulldogs v Rabbitohs: Dogs quartet racing the clock; Johnston in doubt
Sparks are expected to fly at Accor Stadium when the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs meet at Accor Stadium for the annual Good Friday clash.
Since the first Good Friday clash between the old rivals in 2007, there has been plenty of big moments, including the fiery 2015 encounter when Adam Reynolds and James Graham took centre stage as the Bunnies prevailed 18-17.
After celebrating his return to the NRL in the thrilling golden point win over the Cowboys on Sunday, club legend Josh Reynolds is set to play his first Good Friday match since leading the Bulldogs to a stunning 24-9 victory in 2017.
The Rabbitohs have made Good Friday their own in recent years, winning seven of 10 clashes since 2012, including a 36-16 victory last year on the back of Damien Cook's first career hat-trick.
South Sydney will be hungry for redemption after several frustrating losses this season, falling to the Panthers by just six points, the Roosters by two and most recently the Storm by eight and the next month doesn’t get much easier with Friday’s match followed by clashes with the Dolphins, Panthers and Broncos.
Jason Demetriou won't be content with sitting 13th heading into Round 6 and will need his men to clean up last week’s errors (11) and completion rates (77 per cent) if they're to bring home the chocolates.
Team News
Bulldogs: Forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner is likely out after failing a HIA on in Sunday's match, meaning young lock Kurtis Morrin could join the starting side. With Jayden Okunbor facing a one-match suspension, Braidon Burns could be called in for his first game of the season. Meanwhile, with Franklin Pele suffering a suspected broken arm against the Cowboys, Jackson Topine or Andrew Davey are options to take his spot on the bench. Max King (eye) and Jacob Preston (hand) will also need to be cleared after freak injuries last week. Viliame Kikau will miss another week after suffering a Category 1 head knock at training last Friday.
Rabbitohs: Alex Johnston is racing the clock after suffering a head knock in his side's Round 5 loss to the Storm which could see Taane Milne return to the NRL for the first time this season. Campbell Graham did not train on Monday but is in no doubt for the clash. Jai Arrow and Tevita Tatola are nearing returns but it's unlikely to be on Good Friday.
