LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
NRL Round 15 Match Preview: Souths on Sunday
The Bulldogs are currently leading the NRL ladder but face a significant challenge as key players will be absent due to State of Origin duties.
Captain Stephen Crichton, lock Kurt Mann, prop Max King, and five-eighth Matt Burton will all miss the upcoming match.
In their previous encounter during the annual Good Friday showdown, the Bulldogs demonstrated their strength with a commanding 32-0 victory.
Blues prop Max King notably made a remarkable impact by running for 232 meters, while teammates Connor Tracey and Jacob Kiraz combined for 42 runs and a total of 451 meters.
The upcoming match will hold special significance as both teams compete for the Mortimer-McCarthy Cup, honoring two legendary Bulldogs players, Steve Mortimer and Bob McCarthy.
Notably, McCarthy made his mark with the Bulldogs after arriving from the Rabbitohs.
In summary, with several star players absent, the Bulldogs must rely on their depth as they face a crucial match against Souths, aiming to maintain their position at the top of the ladder while commemorating their history through the Mortimer-McCarthy Cup.