Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs Predictions: Broncos to breeze past Bulldogs

Having ended a miserable six-game losing streak last time out against the Newcastle Knights, the Brisbane Broncos will look to kick on when they host the Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday morning (06:00 kick-off).

The Broncos, who were beaten in last season’s Grand Final by the Penrith Panthers, finally ended their difficult losing spell with a 30-14 victory over the Knights, which was inspired by the return of playmaker Adam Reynolds. Canterbury have improved this season but they have a terrible record against the Broncos and on the road, so it’s hard to see the Bulldogs leaving Suncorp Stadium with anything to show for their efforts this weekend.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Starting with the Broncos, Corey Oates has joined the interchange in a late swap for Tyson Smoothy, while Kobe Hetherington comes into the starting line-up for Brendan Piakura who has a groin injury.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has insisted full-back Reece Walsh will start despite missing the captain’s run this week due to illness. As the Bulldogs, skipper Stephen Crichton and forward Viliame Kikau both picked up knocks in the defeat to the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL last time out but they are expected to start on Saturday morning.

Canterbury make just the one change from that loss to the Cowboys, with Lipoi Hopoi joining the bench for Chris Patolo.

Match Odds

The Broncos are 2/7 favourite to claim the win on Saturday, while the Bulldogs are 11/4 to cause a shock and secure victory in Brisbane. A draw at Suncorp Stadium is available at 20/1, while over 46.5 total points in the game is available at 5/6.

Brisbane Broncos -16 handicap @ 13/8

The Broncos have won all of their last five games against the Bulldogs and the hosts can make it six on the bounce this weekend. Reynolds’ return gave the Broncos a much-needed lift last time out and Brisbane should feel more confident with their star half-back in the ranks.

The Bulldogs have won just once in their last nine away games in the NRL and they have not won at Suncorp Stadium since 2015. Brisbane to not only win but cover the -16 handicap on offer looks the way to go here.

Brisbane Broncos over 30.5 total points @ 6/5 

The return of Reynolds has brought back Brisbane’s cutting edge in attack, as they put 30 points past the Knights last time out.
Brisbane to score over 30.5 total points would have landed in both of their last two meetings with the Bulldogs and it would be little surprise to see the trend continue at Suncorp on Saturday.

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.