Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs head into Round 8 with Parramatta Eels with some momentum, after notching their first win of the season last weekend against the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks.
The fierce history between both clubs generally bring the best out of each other, regardless of both sides sitting on opposite ends of the table.
Trent Barrett and his troops were overcome with emotion at the final siren at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium last Saturday, but will prove onlookers that they are capable of taking down fancied opponents Parramatta Eels.
Ultimate Security Match Preview: Round 8 v Eels
Pregame Notes
Team news
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs have named an unchanged line-up for the first time in 2021. Chris Smith and Matt Doorey have cleared concussion protocols after leaving the field due to failing HIA last weekend against the Sharks. Both forwards will suit up against the Eels on Saturday evening.
Eels: Ryan Matterson makes his long awaited return to first grade via the bench. The second rower played a full match last week in NSW Cup after being out indefinitely due to concussion monitoring. Haze Dunster has been named on the bench after Will Smith was ruled out due to a broken thumb.
The Bulldogs are aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since August 2019.
Match: Bulldogs v Eels
Round 8 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Nick MeaneyFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Nick CotricWinger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Will HopoateCentre for Eels is number 3 Tom Opacic
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Corey AllanCentre for Eels is number 4 Marata Niukore
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 21 Dallin Watene-ZelezniakWinger for Eels is number 5 Blake Ferguson
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Jake AverilloFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
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Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Dylan NapaProp for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Sione KatoaHooker for Eels is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Luke ThompsonProp for Eels is number 14 Oregon Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Adam Elliott2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Isaiah Papali'i
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Chris Smith2nd Row for Eels is number 15 Ryan Matterson
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Corey WaddellLock for Eels is number 13 Nathan Brown
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bradley DeitzInterchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Renouf AtoniInterchange for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Ava SeumanufagaiInterchange for Eels is number 16 Haze Dunster
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Matt DooreyInterchange for Eels is number 17 Bryce Cartwright
Reserves
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Brandon WakehamReserve for Eels is number 20 Wiremu Greig
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara
Last updated:
Key match-up
Luke Thompson v Junior Paulo: Englishman Luke Thompson has strived since his return from suspension in Round 5 against Melbourne Storm. The tearaway has given his side great yardage through the middle and will look build on his consistent form in 2021.
Samoan International Junior Paulo has been a go-to for the Eels the last two seasons. The damaging ball runner has becoming a double thread at times, adding 'ball playing' to his repertoire in recent times.
Stat Attack
The Bulldog's prop has been averaging 151 running metres and 64 post contact metres. Paulo has been averaging 112 running metres, we expect a running battle in the front row between both rivals.
Purchase your tickets to the Round 8 fixture against Parramatta Eels here.
