Having succumbed to the high-flying Panthers in round 13 the battling Bulldogs now confront Parramatta, who are coming off an impressive win over the Raiders and then a bye to recharge the batteries.
Interim Bulldogs coach Mick Potter will welcome back a couple of enforcers in Tevita Pangai jnr and Luke Thompson, two men who'll be primed to take the fight up to the much vaunted Eels pack.
The sides clashed twice in 2021 and both times it was the Eels coming up with resounding wins - 32-10 in round eight and 36-10 in round 15 - so Potter will be under no illusions as to the challenge confronting his men.
If the Bulldogs are to spring an upset much will rely on Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr, who combined for a couple of spectacular tries against the Panthers.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Bulldogs v Eels
The Rundown
Team news
Bulldogs: Corey Waddell moves into the starting side an hour before kick-off with Raymond Faitala-Mariner going to the bench. Ava Seumanufagai dropped out on Sunday with a calf strain so Chris Patolo takes his place in the front row and Tevita Pangai jnr is added to the bench as he returns from a back injury.
Luke Thompson remains sidelined after being a late withdrawal from the Panthers game suffering from delayed concussion symptoms.
Eels: The Eels are 1-17 with no late changes. Cult hero Maika Sivo has recovered from a knee reconstruction and will play his first NRL game since round 23 last year. Sivo's return sees Waqa Blake move to the centres and Tom Opacic drop out. Centre Will Penisini suffered a head knock in round 12 but is good to go. Origin reps Ryan Matterson, Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard will all back up.
Match: Bulldogs v Eels
Round 14 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Jake AverilloFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Aaron SchouppCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Corey AllanCentre for Eels is number 4 Waqa Blake
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Eels is number 5 Bailey Simonsson
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-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 10 Paul VaughanProp for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-KingHooker for Eels is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 23 Tevita Pangai JuniorProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Josh Jackson2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 15 Corey Waddell2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Marata Niukore
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Max KingLock for Eels is number 13 Isaiah Papali'i
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 12 Raymond Faitala-MarinerInterchange for Eels is number 14 Makahesi Makatoa
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Zach Dockar-ClayInterchange for Eels is number 15 Ryan Matterson
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Joe StimsonInterchange for Eels is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Chris PatoloInterchange for Eels is number 17 Nathan Brown
Reserves
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Replacement for Bulldogs is number 21 Kurtis MorrinReplacement for Eels is number 19 Jake Arthur
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Key match-up
Matt Burton v Dylan Brown: The former Panther did everything in his power to mastermind an upset against his old club in round 13, laying on two tries for Josh Addo-Carr with pinpoint kicks and scoring one himself in a classy display. Burton will need all that and more if the Bulldogs are to beat the Eels for the first time since round 23, 2019. In Dylan Brown he confronts a confidence player who is backing his own ability to take the line on and come up with match-turning moments. Both men have the skill to turn the game on its head with a flash of brilliance.
Stat Attack
Eels halves Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown have 24 try assists between them in 2022. Dogs pair Matt Burton and Kyle Flanagan have come up with 10 try assists between them,
Match: Bulldogs v Eels
Round 14 -
home Team
Bulldogs
14th Position
away Team
Eels
6th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
