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Match Preview

Bulldogs v Eels: Hayward to start; Sivo ruled out

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The Parramatta Eels have their sights on back-to-back victories for the first time this season as they prepare to face the Bulldogs in a King's Birthday clash. 

The return of captain Clint Gutherson and halfback Mitchell Moses provided the platform for the Eels to snap a five-game losing streak with a 34-22 victory over the Sharks on Thursday night. 

Parramatta enjoyed an extended break heading into Monday's game but hope to keep the momentum rolling at Accor Stadium. 

The Bulldogs, however, will prove a stern test and are riding high on the back of a 32-2 win over the Knights on Friday night. 

It was Canterbury's first victory on the road this season and came despite the absence of their Origin stars. 

The win came at a cost, however, with Josh Addo-Carr suffering a hamstring strain and facing 8-10 weeks on the sidelines. 

Both sides had their stars get through unscathed from Wednesday night's Origin opener with their players all backing up for this match. 

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Bulldogs v Eels

Team News

Bulldogs: A few late changes an hour from kick-off, Bailey Hayward moving to start at lock with Kurt Mann shifting to the bench. A five-day turnaround from Origin One means captain Stephen Crichton will back up, while five-eighth Matt Burton is fine to go as well. Lipoi Hopoi is set for another run off the bench following his debut in Round 13. 

Eels: An hour before kick-off, the Eels have made a number of late changes with Maika Sivo ruled out of the match with a mild hamstring strain. Daejarn Asi joins the team in his place. Makahesi Makatoa has dropped out of the 17, with Joey Lussick coming onto the bench. Junior Paulo has also moved to the bench, with Wiremu Greig to start. Blaize Talagi was earlier named to replace Bailey Simonsson (knee) in the backline, with the rookie named at centre and Sean Russell moving one position out to the wing. J’maine Hopgood will back up for the Eels and will start.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
    Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
    Winger for Eels is number 4 Blaize Talagi
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
    Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
  • Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
    Centre for Eels is number 18 Daejarn Asi
  • Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Blake Wilson
    Winger for Eels is number 5 Sean Russell
  • Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
    Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
  • Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
    Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Forwards

  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
    Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard  
  • Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
    Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan Hands
  • Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
    Prop for Eels is number 17 Wiremu Greig
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Jacob Preston
    2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
  • 2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon
    2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright
  • Lock for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey Hayward
    Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood

Interchange

  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 13 Kurt Mann
    Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Josh Curran
    Interchange for Eels is number 14 Joe   Ofahengaue
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
    Interchange for Eels is number 15 Shaun Lane
  • Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Lipoi Hopoi
    Interchange for Eels is number 20 Joey Lussick

Reserves

  • Replacement for Bulldogs is number 21 Jake Turpin
    Replacement for Eels is number 16 Makahesi Makatoa

Match Officials

  • Referee: Peter Gough
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Touch Judge: Todd Smith
  • Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Bulldogs are the only team who remain undefeated in home games in 2024.
  • The Eels have won eight of their past nine games against the Bulldogs.
  • Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston has scored four tries in his past three games.
  • Eels fullback Clint Gutherson will make his 200th NRL appearance.
  • The Bulldogs are chasing three straight wins for the first time since 2019.

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

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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.