Game day stat attack

Key match-up

The Bulldogs have a potential edge in the halves with Kieran Foran and Lachlan Lewis boasting more time on the field together than Blake Green and Adam Keighran. Former Wyong Roos playmaker Keighran acquitted himself well in the preseason but Green will have to shoulder plenty of responsibility until Keighran adjusts to the weekly grind of the NRL.

And another thing

Not only did the Warriors lose starting halfback Shaun Johnson to the Sharks, his very capable understudy Mason Lino joined the Knights, leaving the club thin at a crucial position.

Warriors stats

Winger David Fusitu'a had a wonderful strike rate last season, scoring 23 tries in 23 games. Ken Maumalo wasn't anywhere near as proficient, finishing the season with five tries in 23 matches.

Bulldogs stats

The Dogs are keeping the faith in Foran after a tough few seasons. Still only 28, Foran appeared in 12 games last year and had one try, a try assist and averaged 61.7 running metres per game.