Preview: Dragons v Bulldogs

VENUE & TIME: ANZ Stadium, Monday 28 July, 7:00pm AEST
COVERAGE: Fox Sports
LAST TIME: Bulldogs 30 - Dragons 18 at ANZ Stadium, Round 6, 2008.

WALKING WOUNDED: Sonny Bill Williams was the face of Canterbury's promotional push to get a big crowd to last week's game against the Warriors. But the punters stayed away in droves - and so did SBW. He pulled out with a back injury and the Dogs' chances - along with punters' money - went down the gurgler. He is back in the line-up but only believe it when you see him run out there. The Dragons' Beau Scott is out suspended.

FORM: The Bulldogs looked to have turned the corner following their win over Brisbane. But less than a week later they were back to their dreadful best, capitulating meekly to the Kiwis. Saints kept Melbourne honest at Olympic Park but were never going to win with 12 men. They have now dropped two consecutive games and need to arrest the slide.

WHO'S HOT: Jason Ryles didn't get a chance to get hot against Melbourne, ridiculously sent off for giving Jeff Lima a tap on the leg with his boot. Even though he was harshly treated, the French-bound front-rower will be desperate to make amends against the Dogs after feeling he let down his team-mates. The big prop has his critics but you can't fault his 2008 form.

WE THINK: You can't discard any side with SBW in it - yes, he is that good when he actually takes to the paddock. But Canterbury's season is long gone, whether he is there or not. You would hope the Dragons have more to play for and after two straight losses they should be desperate for the two points. Dragons by 8.

Teams:

Dragons: 1. Brett Morris 2. Jason Nightingale 3. Mark Gasnier 4. Matt Cooper 5. Josh Morris 6. Jamie Soward 7. Ben Hornby 8. Justin Poore 9. Dean Young 10. Jason Ryles 11. Beau Scott 12. Ben Creagh 13. Lagi Setu
Interchange: 14. Kirk Reynoldson 15. Dan Hunt 16. Jarrod Saffy 17. Rangi Chase; Reserves: 18. Matt Prior 19. Stuart Webb 20. Chase Stanley

Bulldogs: 1. Brent Crisp 2. Hazem El Masri 3. Daryl Millard 4. Tim Winitana 5. Heka Nanai 6. Daniel Holdsworth 7. Arana Taumata 8. Jarrad Hickey 9. Corey Hughes 10. Fred Briggs 11. Sonny Bill Williams 12. Andrew Ryan 13. Reni Maitua
Interchange: 14. Chris Armit 15. Lee Te Maari 16. John Kite 17. Ben Roberts