Bulldogs v Broncos preview - 2017 Round 5

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D-Day looms for Des' Bulldogs

Producing arguably their worst performance during Des Hasler's tenure, the Bulldogs will be looking for a swift response following a 36-0 flogging at the hands of Manly last Saturday. Devoid of attacking spark and defensive resolve, the Blue and Whites face a difficult challenge against a Broncos outfit coming off a hard-fought victory and will need an immediate change in attitude if they are to stand a chance of winning. Coming under immense criticism for their attacking displays over the opening month, the side will be under further pressure following the suspension of halfback Moses Mbye. In his place former Canberra junior Matt Frawley will make his NRL debut in a move which could potentially invigorate the Bulldogs or increase the mounting pressure on the coach.

Rewarded for their efforts with a 13-12 victory over the Raiders after several narrow losses, the Broncos will be eager to resume regular transmission on Thursday night with a dominant performance in Sydney. Showing determination in defence and poise under pressure, coach Wayne Bennett will be looking for his side to move the ball against a Bulldogs side lacking direction in both facets of the game. Retaining the same squad that triumphed last Friday, don't be surprised to the likes of Benji Marshall or Kodi Nikorima come onto the bench to inject an attacking spark capable of heaping further pain upon the Bulldogs. Enjoying success over their opponents in recent years, the Broncos will be hopeful of extending their run of five wins from the past seven meetings, including a comprehensive performance in the lead-up to September last season.

Last meeting: Round 24 2016 - Broncos 20 Bulldogs 10

Who to watch: Given the Bulldogs reputation for producing forwards capable of making an impact, it's difficult to understand why Adam Elliott has struggled for game time in recent years. Debuting at the beginning of 2016, the 22-year-old backrower has shown that when given an extended opportunity, he has the capacity to step up to the mantle forged by his more acclaimed teammates. However all too often coach Des Hasler has used him sparingly, to the point that on more than one occasion he has spent the full 80 minutes waiting on the sidelines to no avail Facing off against a Broncos outfit expected to account for the Bulldogs with ease, look for Elliott to make a mark off the bench.

Rated as a future superstar upon his first grade debut five years ago, the road back to the NRL has been hard going for Tautau Moga, but after an impressive start to 2017 the athletic centre looks set to realise his potential. Plagued by injury during his time at the Roosters and Cowboys, the 23-year-old Samoan representative has benefitted from the faith shown by Wayne Bennett after a lifeline last season and shapes as a new attacking threat for the Broncos. Averaging well over 100 metres per game, Moga has been a surprise packet for Brisbane in the opening month of the season and will relish his personal duel opposite renowned Bulldogs centre Josh Morris.

The favourite: With their opponents copping a hammering last week, the Broncos are favoured to heap further misery upon Canterbury.

My tip: Expect the Bulldogs to improve from their last round humiliation, but against a Brisbane outfit that has started the season in great touch, it's difficult to see anything other than a convincing win for the visitors. Broncos by 16.

1. Brad Abbey 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Matt Frawley 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Alex Glenn 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Herman Essese 17. Jai Arrow

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Russell Turner; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;