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Match Preview

Eels v Bulldogs: Paulo to the bench; Taaffe No.1 gun

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The Eels will be out to avenge a dramatic fall from grand finalists in 2023 to 10th place last year while the Bulldogs will be hoping to see some early dividends after another quality recruitment drive. 

After struggling to adjust to the loss of several key stars last season, stability should be a big strength for Brad Arthur's side with minimal changes from 2023 and star trio Clint Gutherson, Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown giving fans plenty to be excited about in the Pre-Season win over the Titans.

Their 2022 grand final appearance already seems an age ago but the fire will still be burning in Parramatta as the core group look to rediscover the form that had fans daring to dream of a first title since 1986.

Meanwhile, the 2023 season was one to close the door on after finishing in 15th place but greater depth and competition in key positions can only help Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo improve on last season’s 7-17 return.

New skipper Stephen Crichton is set to headline a host of recruits making their official club debut including the likes of Drew Hutchison, Bronson Xerri and Blake Taaffe.

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Team News 

Eels: A late change for the home side sees Joe Ofahengaue join the run-on side with Junior Paulo shifting to the bench. New recruits Morgan Harper and Kelma Tuilagi make their club debuts. With Maika Sivo banned for three games, Bailey Simonsson shifts to the wing and former Sea Eagle Harper comes into the centres. Simonsson has been cleared of injury despite leaving the field early in the victory over the Titans with a hamstring issue. Joey Lussick starts at hooker with Brendan Hands coming off the bench. Ryan Matterson (back) is right to go off the bench but Wiremu Greig (hamstring) will miss the season opener. Five-eighth Dylan Brown plays his 100th NRL game.

Bulldogs: Cameron Ciraldo's side remain 1-17 with no late changes. New skipper Stephen Crichton lines up at centre alongside Jacob Kiraz, who has beaten Bronson Xerri to the spot. Blake Taaffe starts at fullback. After starting both Pre-Season clashes, former Rooster Drew Hutchison and Matt Burton are the halves. Jaeman Salmon gets first shot at lock with Josh Curran starting on the bench alongside Kurt Mann, Kurtis Morrin and Sam Hughes.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
    Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Blake Taaffe
  • Winger for Eels is number 2 Bailey Simonsson
    Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
  • Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
    Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jacob Kiraz
  • Centre for Eels is number 4 Morgan Harper
    Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
  • Winger for Eels is number 5 Sean Russell
    Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
  • 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 Drew Hutchison

Forwards

  • Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
    Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
  • Hooker for Eels is number 9 Joey Lussick
    Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
  • Prop for Eels is number 16 Joe Ofahengaue
    Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Poasa Faamausili 
  • 2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
    2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
  • 2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright
    2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
  • Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood
    Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon

Interchange

  • Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
    Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
  • Interchange for Eels is number 14 Brendan Hands
    Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Samuel Hughes
  • Interchange for Eels is number 15 Ryan Matterson
    Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh Curran
  • Interchange for Eels is number 17 Kelma Tuilagi
    Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kurtis Morrin

Reserves

  • Replacement for Eels is number 22 Blaize Talagi
    Replacement for Bulldogs is number 22 Connor Tracey

Match Officials

  • Referee: Grant Atkins
  • Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
  • Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • The Eels have won seven of their past eight games against the Bulldogs.
  • The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 15 games at CommBank Stadium.
  • Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored nine tries in his past 10 games against the Bulldogs.
  • The Bulldogs have opened with a win only once in the past seven years.
  • Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown will make his 100th NRL appearance.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.