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Heritage round kicks off with a classic grudge match as the Parramatta Eels host the Canterbury Bulldogs. Join us on The Roar from 7.30pm AEST as the on-going wrestle for the chance at finals football continues.
Both sides are in good form and looking to sustain some much needed consistency with finals football just two months away. With Parramatta one win outside the top eight and the Bulldogs only in it on point difference, expect a determined, passionate performance from both side tonight.
As the official home side, Parramatta fans will likely be outnumbered at a hostile ANZ Stadium, but with three straight wins and bye behind them, the Eels will be full of confidence.
Accounting for the West Tigers a fortnight ago despite a scratchy first half performance, Parramatta have found their feet in recent weeks picking up wins against St George and Melbourne respectively prior to last week’s bye.
They could have been looking at six straight wins if only for a second half capitulation against the second placed Cowboys just over a month ago in which glaring holes in the Eels defence were exploited and 30 unanswered points resulted in a bitter 36-30 lost.
With an attacking side, Parramatta are vulnerable in defence with the likes of Chris Sandow and an out of position Corey Norman two particular liabilities.
The Eels defence will be severely challenged by a gritty Bulldogs side that pushed the top of the table Brisbane Broncos last week only to lose 16-8.
Prior to this they had claimed impressive back-to-back wins over the Storm and Panthers, conceding juts three tries over the two games.
Precariously placed just inside the top eight, Canterbury will be eager to start stringing some victories together and have side more than capable of doing it. With Trent Hodkinson returning after Origin heartache, keep an eye of him to put in redemption seeking performance.
In terms of line-ups, the Eels are still reeling from a long string of injuries which forces the continued absence of Reece Robinson, Nathan Peats and Beau Champion but are boosted with the return of Isaac De Gois from a facial fracture.
The Bulldogs similarly welcome back their captain James Graham from a hamstring injury and are only missing Tony Williams and Patrick O’Hanlon through season ending injuries.
This a tough game to pick a winner with both sides desperate for a win to keep a finals push firing. If Parramatta turn up for the full 80 and continue to attack with confidence I find it hard seeing the Bulldogs able to cope. That said, if the Eels show any weakness, expect the Bulldogs to run away with it.
Join us on The Roar from 7.30pm AEST to follow all the action of a heritage round grudge match as the Parramatta Eels do battle with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
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