A traditional rivalry closes out Round 14 as the Bulldogs and Eels face off in a high-stakes clash at Accor Stadium. With both sides chasing form and fighting to keep slim finals hopes alive, expect a gritty contest that could go right down to the wire.

Matchday Details

Monday 8th June – 4:05pm (AEST) – Accor Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Todd Smith | Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 1. Jacob Kiraz, 2. Jethro Rinakama, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Stephen Crichton (c), 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Lachlan Galvin, 8. Max King, 9. Kurt Mann, 10. Leo Thompson, 11. Sitili Tupouniua, 12. Jaeman Salmon, 13. Harry Hayes, 14. Bailey Hayward, 15. Jed Reardon, 16. Jack Underhill, 17. Josh Curran, 19. Sean O’Sullivan, 20. Logan Spinks, 21. Lipoi Hopoi, 22. Connor Tracey, 23. Marcelo Montoya

Parramatta Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Jordan Samrani, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Joash Papalii, 7. Ronald Volkman, 8. Luca Moretti, 9. Tallyn Da Silva, 10. Jack Williams (c), 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Kitione Kautoga, 13. Jack De Belin, 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Sam Tuivaiti, 16. Toni Mataele, 17. Harrison Edwards, 18. Apa Twidle, 19. Teancum Brown, 20. Charlie Guymer, 21. Ryley Smith, 22. Araz Nanva

Match Preview

A classic rivalry is set to be staged before a blockbuster crowd this long weekend, as the Bulldogs host the Eels. With both sides sitting on four wins apiece, there is a sense of desperation for one team to secure another victory and keep faint finals hopes alive.

The Bulldogs come into this clash on the back of a narrow loss to the Tigers. It was a disappointing follow-up to a hard-fought win against the Storm two weeks earlier, but it at least showed they have points in them and are willing to fight out a contest. Meanwhile, in keeping with the theme of their season, an understrength Eels side produced a gallant performance against the Knights. The recent loss of Mitch Moses is simply the latest setback in a campaign clouded by constant injuries.

Cameron Ciraldo has opted to stick with the side that came close last week, with the only changes being the inclusion of Sean O’Sullivan and Logan Spinks on the interchange bench. Stephen Crichton has been named, although he remains a chance to withdraw if his troublesome shoulder does not improve before Monday. Similarly, the Eels have made few changes. Ryley Smith is among the reserves after returning from a sternum injury in NSW Cup last week and may yet earn a late call-up, while Teancum Brown has been added to the extended bench. Despite hopes of a Moses return, he is now expected back within the next two rounds.

This match shapes as a fascinating contest, with neither side having consistently delivered its best football this season. On paper, the Bulldogs appear to have the edge in the forwards, with the likes of Max King and Leo Thompson regularly among their strongest performers. However, the last time these two teams met, the Eels’ undermanned forward pack got the better of the Bulldogs, so Canterbury will not be taking anything for granted. Jack Williams produced a captain’s knock for Parramatta last week, while the return of Kitione Kautoga was a welcome boost, with his yardage something the Eels had sorely missed.

In the halves, Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton must stamp their authority on this match. The Eels’ combination of Joash Papalii and Ronald Volkman consists of two players who will have a crack, but they currently lack the first-grade experience to consistently make the right decisions under pressure, as was evident at times last week. Galvin, meanwhile, has not stopped trying all year and has regularly been among the Bulldogs’ best. This could be the game in which he truly takes ownership of the side.

Both teams also boast plenty of excitement across their back five. Josh Addo-Carr has been one of the Eels’ brightest performers this season and will relish the opportunity to get one over his former club. On the other side, Jacob Kiraz has found a new home at fullback and will cause plenty of headaches for the Eels’ defence. If Crichton does take the field, the Bulldogs may just have a slight edge in class across the backline.

These two teams have met 56 times in the NRL era, with the Eels holding a slight advantage, winning 29 matches to the Bulldogs’ 26 (and one draw). Parramatta snapped a three-game losing streak against Canterbury earlier this year when they recorded a comfortable victory at home.

Overall, this shapes as a tight contest between two evenly matched sides. There is every chance it comes down to a field goal in the dying stages, or perhaps even golden point, to determine the winner.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Eels by 1.
Full Round 14 tips → /nrl-round-14-predictions/
Bold call: Joash Papalii to slot a field goal to win the game.

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Nathan Smith
Eels tragic.
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