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Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins Preview & Tips - Second half points the value play in NRL

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: 20 May 2025

Jeremy Darke 20 May 2025

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Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 12 NRL game
Dolphins' scoring struggles persist with recent low points
Bet on Bulldogs' strong second-half and low game total under 42.5 points

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Canterbury Bulldogs (Getty Images)

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins Preview
Head to Head
Canterbury Bulldogs Form
Canterbury Bulldogs Team News
Canterbury Bulldogs Team List
Dolphins Form
Dolphins Team News
Dolphins Team List

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins Preview

Both sides tend to score more points in the second half of games and that is the clear trends from a betting perspective. Back more points after the break and for Villiame Kikau to be among the tries.

Canterbury has a point scoring difference in the first half to second half of 14-98 in their last 4 matches.
Canterbury averages just 15.8 points against in 2025.
Dolphins games are 8-3 to the Under this season.
The Dolphins allowed 3 tries to second rowers last week against the Warriors

Head to Head

Canterbury have won both matches against the Dolphins. A 30-10 victory in 2024, along with a 23-22 nailbiter in 2023. Both matches were played at Salter Oval in Bundaberg.

Both games hit Under the 49.5-point game total that was set for each match up.

Canterbury Bulldogs Form

Canterbury are the escape artists of the NRL over the last two weeks, coming back from 20-0 in round 10 against the Raiders and doing a similar act in Round 11, getting the win against the Roosters after trailing 14-0 at the main break.

There are plenty of ways to read into this and it all depends which side of the fence you sit. In both instances the Bulldogs have been starved of possession for large parts of the first half and have continued to play the percentage game when they have had the ball in hand. They gain more territory in the second half and attack a tired defence and score points.

On the other side, there are many instances when teams play this come-from-behind type of footy, they will meet their match and fail to gain the amount of ball they need in the second half to take the win.

The character the Dogs are showing is Premiership quality, however, their defence which is the best in the comp has failed them in the first half over the last two weeks. The question is how concerned do they need to be?

Canterbury Bulldogs Team News

Stephen Crichton, Max King and Kurt Mann will miss the match due to representative duties, while the club is also battling a little injury crisis at the moment.

Jacob Kiraz and Daniel Suluka-Fifita and the latest to join the absentee list for the Dogs with Blake Taafe coming in to cover in the backline, while Josh Curran returns from injury and will pop straight into the frontrow.

Bailey Hayward moves into lock with Jake Turpin playing the utility role on the bench along with Sam Hughes.

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List

1. Connor Tracey

2. Blake Wilson

3. Bronson Xerri

4. Blake Taaffe

5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Matt Burton

7. Toby Sexton

8. Lipoi Hopoi

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Josh Curran

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Harry Hayes

13. Bailey Hayward

Interchange

14. Jake Turpin

15. Kurtis Morrin

16. Sam Hughes

17. Luke Smith

Reserves

19. Drew Hutchison

20. Jonathan Sua

21. Jack Underhill

22. Zyon Maiu'u

23. Mitchell Woods

Dolphins Form

Despite having the majority of the ball against the Warriors, two late tries by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth made the result look respectable, down 16-0 with 8 minutes to go with the eventual score 16-12 to New Zealand.

The Dolphins attack looked stale compared with the siffling Warriors defence, that gave up very little metreage considering the weight in possession.

Points were a problem for the Dolphins early this season and they have started to dry up again over the last two weeks with just 20 points against the Eels and now just 12 against the Warriors.

Dolphins Team News

Jake Averillo will slot into fullback with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow representing Queensland. Max Feagai will come into the centre.

Horrible news for the Dolphins is that Tom Gilbert will be out for up to three months with a pec injury. Connelly Lemuelu starts in the second row, with Oryn Keeley coming in on the bench.

Dolphins Team List

1. Jake Averillo

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Max Feagai

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Jack Bostock

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Francis Molo

9. Kurt Donoghoe

10. Felise Kaufusi

11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

12. Connelly Lemuelu

13. Ray Stone

Interchange

14. Harrison Graham

15. Mark Nicholls

16. Josh Kerr

17. Oryn Keeley

Reserves

18. Sean O'Sullivan

19. Aublix Tawha

20. Kenny Bromwich

21. Junior Tupou

22. Tevita Naufahu

Verdict

Canterbury Bulldogs v Dolphins

Expect the Bulldogs to go power home again in the second half against the Dolphins, who will find it difficult to put up enough points to stay with Canterbury leading to the game total staying under 42.5 points. Villiame Kikau is also backed to cross for the Bulldogs on the edge.

Second Half

Highest Scoring Half

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Under 42.5

Game Total

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Villiame Kikau

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Villiame Kikau

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