The Dolphins head to Bundaberg for a must-win clash with surrogate home Canterbury Bulldogs, who are haemorrhaging points but get a host of key stars back this week.

The 6-13 Bulldogs dropped to second-last with their sixth loss from seven games last Sunday, overrun 44-18 by a Panthers side that barely had to get out of second gear.

Their NRL-worst defence includes 32-plus points conceded in their last six games.

The Bulldogs are boosted by the return of Viliame Kikau from an 18-week layoff, as well as Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Preston, Braidon Burns and No.7 Toby Sexton.

Jake Averillo reverts to fullback for Hayze Perham after playing halfback last week, while new recruit Liam Knight is in the reserves contingent.

The Dolphins’ last bye lifted them back to within two points of the Top 8, but they have won just one of their last five.

After a golden point eclipse of a depleted Titans outfit, the premiership newcomers were run down late by a Penrith side missing its Origin contingent 24-14.

Origin star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns to the fullback role, with Valynce Te Whare moving back to centre, Tesi Nui returning on the wing, Kodi Nikorima shifting to five-eighth and Anthony Milford to the bench. Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) is a huge inclusion at hooker.

Those changes – along with the neutral venue – may just be enough for the Dolphins to stay alive. With one of the softer runs home of any team, they remain a genuine finals chance and their enterprising attack and engine-room experience should see them over the line in a high-scorer.

The post Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins Tips and Odds – NRL 2023 Round 22 first appeared on JustBetting.com.au.