Match Preview: Eels v Bulldogs

Author: parraeels.com.au
Timestamp: Fri 14 Apr 2023, 12:00 PM

The old rivalry between the Parramatta Eels and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs returns to CommBank Stadium this Sunday.

Parramatta have played the Bulldogs more than any other opponent in the club’s history, with this week to mark the 153rd encounter between the two sides.

The two clubs famously dominated the 1980s, winning four premierships each and facing off in two Grand Finals, including the Eels’ 1986 triumph.

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Classic Encounter: Eels v Bulldogs

Team News

The Eels have received a major boost with co-captain Junior Paulo returning to the side.

Following a two-week suspension, he is back in the front row with Wiremu Greig joining the bench and Jack Murchie pushing to the reserves.

Shaun Lane, Haze Dunster and Sean Russell retain their roles in the starting side after making successful returns from injury in the win over Wests Tigers.

The Bulldogs will be without star duo Viliame Kikau (pec) and Josh Addo-Carr (ankle) after the pair picked up serious injuries over the past week.

However, they are boosted by the return of both Tevita Pangai Junior (calf) and Raymond Faitala-Mariner (concussion), with the former making his first appearance of the season.

Round 7 - Round 7 - Sunday 16 Apr

Full Time

Eels

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Hayze Perham
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jake Averillo
Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Paul Alamoti
Winger for Eels is number 5 Haze Dunster

Winger for Bulldogs is number 15 Jayden Okunbor
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle Flanagan

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
Hooker for Eels is number 15 Brendan Hands

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Tevita Pangai Junior
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
2nd Row for Eels is number 13 Ryan Matterson

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 16 Corey Waddell
Lock for Eels is number 14 J'maine Hopgood

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Josh Reynolds
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Wiremu Greig

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Ryan Sutton
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Makahesi Makatoa

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 20 Jackson Topine
Interchange for Eels is number 19 Matt Doorey

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 23 Andrew Davey

Reserves

Replacement for Eels is number 18 Jake Arthur

Replacement for Bulldogs is number 22 Declan Casey

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Butler
Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:07 PM

Recent History

The Eels have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning seven of their last ten meetings with the Bulldogs dating back to 2018.

In their latest match-up the Eels enjoyed a dominant 42-6 victory at CommBank Stadium, with Dylan Brown and Waqa Blake both scoring doubles.

Form Guide

The Eels have been finding their feet in recent weeks, winning two of their past three games. After three tight losses to begin the season, Parramatta have won two of their last three against the Panthers and Tigers.

NRL Match Highlights: Wests Tigers v Eels

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs suffered a 50-16 loss to South Sydney Rabbitohs on Good Friday after close encounters with North Queensland (15-14 win) and the Warriors (16-14 loss).

Key Match-Up

Damaging props Junior Paulo and Tevita Pangai Jnr will each return as a welcome inclusion for their team this week.

Two damaging no. 10s with both offensive and defensive flair, Paulo and Pangai Jnr are bound to collide in a fiery individual battle.

Key Stat

Between the Eels and Bulldogs this season, there has already been three golden point matches.

Parramatta have gone to extra time against Melbourne (16-12 loss) and Penrith (17-16), while the Bulldogs went into overtime two weeks ago against North Queensland (15-14 win).