The Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium this Friday (18 March) for their Round Three clash.
After a loss to the Brisbane Broncos to kick off their season, the Eels will enter the Round Three clash after coming away with a 20-16 victory over the Premiers, the North Queensland Cowboys last week.
Blue and Gold Head Coach Brad Arthur has made two changes to his line up, with hooker Isaac De Gois replacing Nathan Peats (injury) whilst David Gower has been named on the bench as Kenny Edwards moves to the starting side, replacing Manu Ma'u (suspension).
While the rivalry between these clubs peaked in the 1980s (culminating in two grand final showdowns), there remains a fierce rivalry in recent years, and the Eels will be looking for victory over their long time rivals, with the Bulldogs holding strong bragging rights over the past five seasons.
The last Eels victory over the Bulldogs came in 2014, when the Eels came away with a 22-12 victory at ANZ stadium.
For the home side, the Bulldogs, Head Coach Des Hasler has named a 20 man side for the clash.
After a victory over the Penrith Panthers after the siren last week, match winner and debutant Kerrod Holland will return to reserve grade with Chase Stanley replacing him in the centres.
Forward David Klemmer, who was found not guilty at the judiciary this week, has been named on an extended bench that also includes forwards Sam Kasiano, Tim Browne, Adam Elliott, Lloyd Perrett and Shaun Lane.
Klemmer will line up for his 50th NRL game.
Kick off is at 8:05pm with the game shown live on Channel 9 and FOX Sports.
Note, Blue and Gold Eels Ticketed Members with access to ANZ Stadium matches have not been forgotten and will enjoy reciprocal member rights for this game.
Full-season reserved seat and GA Members will also receive reciprocal entry to our Round 4 Easter Monday game against the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium. Click here for more details.
Please note, pre-book parking at P1 in Sydney Olympic Park is now full. Avoid the hassle and take public transport, which is included in your ticket, to the game. For more information on public transport, click here.
GAME DAY INFO
Match Details: Dyldam Parramatta Eels v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Friday 18 March. Kick off at 8:05pm.
Televised: Channel 9 Live Coverage from 7:30pm, Fox Sports 1 Live Coverage from 7pm.
The History: Played 138; Bulldogs 75, Eels 58, Drawn 5.
The Bulldogs hold a strong record over the Blue and Gold in recent times. The Eels last victory against the Bulldogs occurred in 2014, with the Eels coming away with a 22-12 victory at ANZ Stadium.
Eels Squad:
1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Clinton Gutherson 6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran (c) 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Kenny Edwards 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower
Bulldogs Squad:
1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Craig Garvey 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. David Klemmer 17. Adam Elliot 19. Lloyd Perrett 20. Shaun Lane
Match Officials:
Referee: Matt Cecchin. Assistant Referee: Alan Shortall. Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis and Peter Gough.
