NRL Round 8 preview: Broncos v Bulldogs betting tips

Best bets for Broncos vs Bulldogs

NRL Round 8: Broncos v Bulldogs preview

The in-form Bulldogs and the struggling Broncos open up Round 8 of the 2025 NRL season with a fascinating clash at Suncorp Stadium this Thursday night.

Canterbury are aiming to stay unbeaten for the campaign, while Brisbane are still licking their wounds after back-to-back losses.

The Dogs are clear favourites with the top NRL bookmakers — and for good reason.

They have been the standout team of the season, going 6-0 and conceding fewer than 10 points per game.

Cameron Ciraldo’s side dismantled the Rabbitohs last week and have now gone five consecutive halves of football without conceding a single point.

With Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton linking up again, and their pack dominating territory, the Dogs look every bit a premiership contender.

Brisbane, on the other hand, are wobbling. They’ve dropped two on the trot — including a golden-point loss to the Warriors — and now face the league’s best defence while missing some star talent in the spine.

The Bulldogs dominated this fixture last year with a 41-16 thumping at Suncorp and look poised to make it back-to-back wins in Brisbane for the first time since 2008.

The Dogs are top two in run metres, tackle efficiency, and territory, while the Broncos sit 10th for possession despite the big workrate of Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas.

Expect the visitors to grind early and pull away late.

Broncos v Bulldogs Rd 8 team news

Brisbane Broncos

1. Selwyn Cobbo
2. Deine Mariner
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Xavier Willison
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Cory Paix
15. Corey Jensen
16. Brendan Piakura
17. Jaiyden Hunt

The Broncos are without Reece Walsh due to a PCL injury, with Selwyn Cobbo shifting to fullback and Deine Mariner coming onto the wing. Brendan Piakura returns from suspension via the bench.

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Josh Curran
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Harry Hayes
17. Bailey Hayward

Just one change for the Bulldogs, with Harry Hayes replacing the injured Jack Todd on the bench. Coach Ciraldo has otherwise kept faith in the team that beat Souths 32-0.

• 

  Fast Payouts

Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs R8 betting predictions

Canterbury’s edge in discipline, defence and cohesion is huge. They’ve covered the points handicap in five of six games and should have no trouble handling a Brisbane side missing its key strike weapon. Expect the Dogs to win this by more than a converted try, paying $1.90 with BetOnline.

Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored in six straight away games against bottom-half sides, and Brisbane’s right edge has leaked tries all year. With Kikau and Burton drawing defenders, the space for Xerri to strike is undeniable. He’s a high-upside play at $2.25 anytime tryscorer odds with BetOnline.

Canterbury are the league’s top defensive unit, and five of their six matches have gone under on total points. Brisbane’s attack is disjointed without Walsh, and they’ve posted 18 points or fewer in four of six games. Expect a scrappy, grinding contest and take under 43 total points at $1.90 with BetOnline.

Sports betting tips