The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will look to make it four back-to-back wins when they take on the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs in Friday night football at ANZ Stadium in Round 19.
The Blue and Gold are fresh off the bye, and will be looking to continue their winning ways after previous victories over the Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm over the past five weeks as they surge towards the top eight.
The Eels have named a relatively unchanged line up that has featured over the past month of football, which includes centre Will Hopoate who has returned from State of Origin duties whilst Reece Robinson and Nathan Peats were not named due to injury, however Head Coach Brad Arthur said the latter was a chance of being in the side pending fitness tests.
The Eels and Bulldogs met earlier in the season, a Round Two clash that drew the best-attended Sydney game this year outside of Easter weekend and ANZAC Day, and the Blue and Gold will be looking for a reversal of fortune after suffering a 32-12 defeat in an injury plagued contest.
The Bulldogs have made just the single change to their side that went down to the Broncos last week (16-8), with Hodkinson returning from Origin duties in the starting line up, forcing Moses Mbye to the bench.
Boasting a giant forward pack that has bulldozed it’s way over it’s opposition this season, the Eels forwards will need to be ready for the challenge ahead.
For the Blue and Gold fans tuning into the game, they will be treated to watching the two current NRL leading try scorers featuring on the same field. Semi Radradra has scored 16 tries from his 10 appearances this season, whilst Bulldogs winger Curtis Rona, 16 tries from his 16 appearances.
Radradra is in exceptional form, taking advantage from the lead up of the Eels left edge of Brad Takairangi and Manu Ma’u, crossing for doubles in five consecutive matches.
Kick off is at 7:35pm.
Brad Arthur previews Round 19
Match Details: Dyldam Parramatta Eels v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, ANZ Stadium. Friday 17 July, 7:35pm kick off.
Televised: Channel Nine, Live, 7.30pm (NSW); Delayed, 9.30pm (QLD).
The History: Played 137; Eels 58, Bulldogs 74, Drawn 5. The Bulldogs have a strong record against the Eels, with the Blue and Gold having one victory in the past nine clashes.
Eels Squad:
1. Corey Norman 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Luke Kelly 7. Chris Sandow 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. Darcy Lussick 15. Pauli Pauli 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower 18. Joseph Paulo
Bulldogs Squad:
1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Shaun Lane 16. David Klemmer 17. Moses Mbye 22. Tim Browne
Match Officials: Referee: Ben Cummins. Assistant Referee: Chris James. Touch Judges: Nick Beashel & Adam Reid. Video Referees: Steve Chiddy & Ben Galea.
