LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs faced a heavy defeat against the Dolphins, losing 44-8 at Accor Stadium in challenging weather conditions.
The team, missing 10 players due to Origin duties, injuries, and suspensions, had a chance to test their depth.
They opened the scoring with a penalty goal after Ray Stone's dangerous tackle, but the Dolphins quickly responded with a try from Jamayne Isaako, taking a 4-point lead, which was extended by another Isaako penalty goal.
The Bulldogs soon equalized when Lipoi Hopoi scored his first NRL try, capitalizing on a Matt Burton cross-field kick that was misplayed by the Dolphins.
Burton converted the attempt, making it 8-all.
However, the Dolphins regained the lead just before halftime with a try from Jack Bostock and continued their dominance after the break, with Harrison Graham adding another try to bring the score to 20-8.