Good Friday is shaping up to be a thrilling day for rugby league fans as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs prepare to host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium. Scheduled to kick off at 4:05 PM AEST on April 18, 2025, this highly anticipated clash is set to attract a crowd of around 70,000, making it one of the biggest events on the NRL calendar.
The Bulldogs have been on a tear this season, boasting an impressive 5-0 record that places them firmly at the top of the NRL ladder. Their recent performances have been nothing short of dominant, including a bye last week after two massive wins against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Newcastle Knights. Coach Cameron Ciraldo's men are eager to maintain their unbeaten streak.
On the other side, the Rabbitohs, led by the veteran Wayne Bennett, have also enjoyed a strong start to their campaign, currently sitting fifth with four wins and two losses. The Rabbitohs have a storied history of success in Good Friday clashes, winning the last six encounters against the Bulldogs, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
With both teams in excellent form, fans can expect a fierce contest. The Bulldogs are looking to capitalize on their home advantage, while the Rabbitohs aim to continue their dominance in this annual fixture.
In terms of team news, the Bulldogs have welcomed back five-eighth Matt Burton, who returns after missing three games due to a knee injury. Additionally, Viliame Kikau is set to make his comeback from a knee injury, having remained in the squad when it was trimmed to 19 players on Thursday. Bailey Hayward, who filled in for Burton, will move back to the bench, while Sitili Tupouniua returns from suspension.
The Rabbitohs have also made some significant changes, with Cody Walker returning from a hamstring injury to partner Latrell Mitchell in the halves. Former Sea Eagle Josh Schuster is back in the squad after a successful return to the field in the NSW Cup last weekend. Furthermore, Campbell Graham is set to return on the wing, replacing the injured Alex Johnston.
As the teams gear up for battle, the atmosphere is electric. Phil Gould, the Bulldogs' director of football, delivered an impassioned pre-game speech to fans, urging them to rally behind their team. "Bulldogs fans, it's the traditional Good Friday clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs - two of the biggest clubs in the league, two of the biggest fanbases. Haven't we had some battles against them over the years?" Gould's words resonate with the history and rivalry shared between these two clubs.
In the lead-up to the match, the Bulldogs have been particularly impressive defensively, conceding just 14 points in their past three games. This strong defensive effort will be crucial against a Rabbitohs side that has the ability to score from anywhere on the field.
As for individual performances, Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has been a standout, having scored 11 tries in just 12 games against the Rabbitohs. Conversely, Rabbitohs five-eighth Latrell Mitchell boasts an impressive record, having won 11 consecutive games against the Bulldogs. This clash will be a true test of wills as both teams look to assert their dominance.
Fans will be treated to a comprehensive broadcast of the match, with coverage available on Fox League and free-to-air on Channel 9 in Australia. Streaming options are also available via Foxtel, 9Now, and Kayo Sports, making it easy for fans to catch the action live.
As the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs finalize their preparations, anticipation continues to build. The clash at Accor Stadium is not just another game; it is a celebration of rugby league, tradition, and fierce competition. With the stakes high and both teams eager to prove their mettle, this Good Friday showdown promises to deliver excitement and drama.
In the evening, the Melbourne Storm will take on the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, with that match set to kick off at 8 PM AEST. However, all eyes will be on the Bulldogs-Rabbitohs clash earlier in the day, as fans eagerly await what is sure to be a thrilling encounter.
With the match just hours away, the excitement is palpable. Will the Bulldogs maintain their unbeaten run, or will the Rabbitohs extend their Good Friday dominance? One thing is for sure: rugby league fans are in for a treat this Good Friday.
