After being left to stew on their heavy loss to the Dolphins for an extra week due to their second bye, the Bulldogs will be looking to improve against the Eels.
With Captain Stephen Crichton and forward Max King back from Origin and new recruit Lachlan Galvin in the side, it will be a much different line-up to the one that went down 44-8 to the Dolphins, and one out to make amends for their uncharacteristically poor performance.
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The Eels will head to Accor Stadium with a point to prove after they were downed by the Panthers in a close, seesawing match last week, but will take confidence from their efforts.
In an even and entertaining game, the Eels just couldn't edge out the Panthers who had more experienced game breakers in their side.
Team News
Bulldogs: Lachlan Galvin has been named in the extended squad in jersey No.23 as he chases a club debut after joining from Wests Tigers last week. Centre Stephen Crichton (Origin), prop Max King (Origin), lock Kurt Mann (Origin), winger Jacob Kiraz (calf) and prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita (concussion) are all back on deck in a huge boost for the Bulldogs.
Eels: Will Penisini returns from a concussion in the centres so Jordan Samrani moves to the bench and Joash Papalii drops to 18th man. Kelma Tuilagi has been named to start the game with Luca Moretti coming off the bench but they may swap on game day as they did last week.
Match: Bulldogs v Eels
Round 14 -
home Team
Bulldogs
2nd Position
away Team
Eels
16th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Stat Attack
- Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey will play his 100th NRL game.
- The Bulldogs won last year’s King’s Birthday game against the Eels 22-18.
- The Eels have won nine of their last 12 games against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
- Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 23 tries in 26 games at Accor Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
