Bulldogs vs Dragons Prediction: Get on Dogs to win with plenty to spare

Cameron Ciraldo’s Canterbury Bulldogs battled their way back to the winners’ circle last weekend, and on Saturday (17:30 local, 08:30 BST) they will be hoping to keep up the pressure on the top two with a win against the St George-Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium.

The Dogs may have been knocked off top spot in recent weeks, but two more points against the Dragons could help them to move back into a home play-off position. My Bulldogs vs Dragons predictions follow, along with the latest team news and Betfred’s match odds.

Bulldogs vs Dragons Odds

The Dogs are 2/7 to win the match inside 80 minutes, implying a 77.8% probability, with the Dragons priced at 11/4 for the win. The draw in regular time is 22/1.

On the handicap front, the Dragons are given a 12.5-point start at 5/6, with the Bulldogs 20/21 to overcome the two-score edge.

Team News

Lachlan Galvin starts at seven for the Bulldogs, with Matt Burton taking his place alongside him in the halves. Kurt Mann and Stephen Crichton return after Origin duty, with the latter replacing the injured Bronson Xerri.

After his debut last week, Jethro Rinakama continues on the wing, while Sitili Tupouniua could be back after hamstring trouble.

The Dragons have named Hamish Stewart and Luciano Leilua despite the pair of them having picked up injuries last week in the loss to the Sydney Roosters.

That means Shane Flanagan is set to name an unchanged 17, with Stewart named on the bench and Leilua in the back row.

Rugby League Odds

Bulldogs to win both halves – Yes @ 21/20

Since this is not the Bulldogs of the early season, the Bulldogs who swept aside everyone in sight, I thought twice about this one. But their recent period of rocky results has helped to create a bit of value here.

They should have far too much for the Dragons. This is a meeting of third and 11th which could easily be top against 15th, and I have faith that Ciraldo’s side will flex their muscles on Saturday.

If they get a bit of a gap, they should ram home their advantage against a sub-par St George who haven’t travelled well all season and look nowhere near ready to challenge for a finals spot despite being only four points adrift of the top eight.

At 21/20, there’s an implied 48.8% probability of the Dogs having the best of it either side of half-time. And that’s a dangled carrot I’m willing to lunge for.

Over 51.5 Total Points @ 13/8

Back in the Des Hasler days, the Bulldogs were often the kings of the low-scoring contest. But their return to the top end of the Premiership has come thanks in large part to their excellent attacking qualities.

They’ve been involved in 10 matches which have featured at least 40 points already this season, and this one could easily top 50 given the fact the Dragons have averaged 33 points conceded over their last five matches.

The home side ought to start fast and then ram home their advantage. Taking all that into account, I’m happy to look at the highest Total Points bracket in search of value.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.