The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will take on the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs this Friday night at ANZ Stadium, and with the Eels looking to build on their three-game winning streak, stand in fullback Corey Norman says the Blue and Gold will enter the clash with plenty of confidence.
With the Eels claiming 10 points in the past five weeks, and on the cusp of entering the top eight, Norman says that the little run of wins from the Blue and Gold came at a good time.
“I think we always had that confidence that if we got a few games together we could make a little run but it has been good and the bye we just had was good for us,” Norman said.
“It gives us a bit more motivation this week,” Norman added as he spoke about the Eels potentially moving into the top eight.
“Everybody wants to be there in the back end and we just have to get through Friday night, put in a good performance there, and we will see what happens from there. “
The Heritage Round clash at ANZ Stadium is the second time the Eels and Bulldogs met this season, with the Bulldogs posting a 32-12 win over an injury-plagued Eels side in Round 2, and Norman says the side is purely focused on getting the job done on Friday night.
“We just have to worry about us. We know the Dogs are going to come at us with everything, they are coming off a loss last week, so it will be a good one,” Norman said.
“The boys who have been here for a while know what it is like [the rivalry with the Bulldogs], but we just have to worry about our game plan and what we have to do to get the job done.”
The Eels are expecting a tough physical battle up front, and Norman knows the Blue and Gold forwards will need to be ready for the challenge.
“I rate the Bulldogs up there. They have a massive pack and their halves are playing well at the moment,” Norman said.
“It is very hard, once they get a bit of momentum, it is very hard to stop them so we have to worry about that.”
“We have to control their forwards so their halves aren’t on the front foot after their forwards get a roll on.”
“We just have to stop them and hopefully that goes a long way to winning the game.” he added.
The Eels take on the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, kick off at 7:35pm.
Don't forget to get to the Game:
The Eels will run out against the Bulldogs for their Round 19 game on Friday, July 17, wearing a Heritage Jersey inspired by those worn by 1986 Premiership-winning side.
Arrive early to see what you would look like standing in the 1986 team photo at our #ReLive86 photo booth, and remmeber the 1,947th Member through the gates will win a TV, thanks to Changhong!
Click through for all the game day info, and get your tickets today for another classic chapter in the Eels-Dogs rivalry!
