Wests Tigers v Bulldogs Preview
NRL.com
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=52199
ANZ Stadium
Sunday 2pm
WOW!
What a week for the Bulldogs, and the NRL.
Already in the midst of a season to forget, the Dogs had to deal with all the SBW drama and you get the feeling theyre ready for season 2008 to be done and dusted.
With no chance to factor in the finals, the Bulldogs are now playing for pride but can they stay competitive against a team like the Wests Tigers who are fighting to be a part of the playoffs?
Its crunch time well and truly for the Tigers.
Another loss last week, this time against the Panthers, has put them in a tough position as they try to keep their head above water.
They are now 12th and while just two points from the eighth-placed Raiders they have a reasonably tough draw coming home.
They are still without Brett Hodgson, however Shannon Gallant has been drafted into the side to play fullback which moves Tim Moltzen to the bench.
Todd Payten is a welcome addition to the pack, with Bronson Harrison moving to the bench to accommodate his return.
Stuart Flanagan and Rhys Hanbury are out of the side.
For the beleaguered Dogs centre Tim Winitana is out with Andrew Emelio coming in. Arana Taumata also makes way for the return of Ben Roberts in the halves while John Kite moves along for Charlie Leaeno.
Lee Te Maari has been added as an 18th man.
Watch out Wests Tigers: One man who will be looking at the bright side of Sonny Bills departure is Nick Kouparitsas.
The Greek international has the chance to cement a spot in the back row for the remainder of the season and prove his worth as a regular first grader after an up-and-down year.
Having only played eight games, most from the bench, and coming into the season with some injury dramas, Kouparitsas hasnt been anywhere near the player he could potentially be but now he has an opening he just might take it.
As a clever ball player he might not be in the Williams class but he can bamboozle a defence if given quality ball.
Watch out Bulldogs: The return of Todd Payten is a big one for the Tigers as it gives them more size and also some attacking variety in the middle of the ruck.
Although Payten has surprisingly failed to break the line or even assist someone else to break the line in his eight games this year it is a skill he certainly possesses.
With some surprising skill, footwork and speed for a big man, Payten could be an X-factor for the Tigers as they try desperately to find a way into the finals for the fist time since 2005.
Where it will be won: Mental toughness.
Do the Bulldogs players really care any more?
Are the Tigers soft enough in the head to take this game lightly despite their precarious ladder position?
Those are the crucial questions that only the players themselves know the answers to.
It will take plenty of heart for the Bulldogs to turn up with their minds on the job this weekend.
Its basically impossible not to feel let down when your marquee player, a guy who is supposed to be your mate, skips town when youre doing it tough rather than rolling up his sleeves and getting dirty in the trenches with you.
Its a knock to the self esteem and makes you question why you put in so much effort
for a tenth of his pay packet.
On the other side of the coin its hard for the Tigers not to read the papers, hear all about the woes at the Bulldogs and subconsciously assume they wont be hard to beat.
Tim Sheens will be working overtime to ensure his Tigers go in for the kill rather than give the Bulldogs a sniff at a win and some much-needed relief.
The History: Played 15; Wests Tigers 6, Bulldogs 9.
The Bulldogs have won three of the past four including a 32-12 victory earlier this season. In seven games played at ANZ Stadium the Bulldogs hold a slight advantage 4-3.
Conclusion: Crisis sometimes brings out the best in teams but the Bulldogs have just been devoid of any real promise this season and its hard to see them coming out on top here.
The Tigers have so much more to lose and as such should be well and truly on their game while the Bulldogs have had nothing but distractions all week.
The blue and whites are still a chance but a punt on the Tigers is the recommended course of action.
Match officials: Referee Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials Phil Haines & Mohamad Fajajo; Video ref Chris Ward.
Televised: Fox Sports 2 Live 2.00pm
Ben Cummins
