NRL2024: Canterbury Bulldogs, Dolphins, Rockhampton, Round 24, match report;
A try saving tackle by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow had the fans on their feet but it was another Bulldogs second half defensive shut out that could have a greater impact on the finals hopes of both teams.
Tabuai-Fidow ran down Josh Addo-Carr after a foot race between two of the fastest players in the game, but the Dolphins remain outside the top eight while Canterbury are eying a top four spot.
After leading 16-10 at halftime, the Bulldogs didn’t concede another point to triumph 30-10 – the second consecutive game that they have produced a second half shut out.
It is a feat Canterbury have produced seven times this season and they now boast the best defence in the NRL.
Burton puts Isaako over the sideline
Jacob Kiraz scored the opening try for the Bulldogs in the 11th minute after a long pass from halfback Toby Sexton and quick hands by Stephen Crichton to put the Lebanon international over in the corner.
Josh Addo-Carr looked set to extend Canterbury’s lead when he sprinted 80 metres only to be run down just short of the tryline by fellow speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in a foot race that had the entire Salter Oval crowd on their feet.
The Foxx and The Hammer relive their footrace
Tabuai-Fidow’s efforts were rewarded when winger Jamayne Isaako scored in the next set of tackles but Kiraz’s second try put the Bulldogs ahead 12-4 in the 28th minute.
Addo-Carr finally got a try of his own in the 36th minute after picking up a loose ball and racing 60 metres to score, with Tabuai-Fidow up in the defensive line and unable to stop him.
However, an intercept try by former Canterbury centre Jake Averillo had Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett cracking jokes in the dressing room at halftime as his side edged to with a converted try of the Bulldogs.
