The Canterbury Bulldogs will be hoping they can end a poor run of form that has seen them win only one of their last five games when they face the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.45pm AEST.
The Bulldogs will feel as if they let one slip last Friday night when they lost by two points to the Manly Sea Eagles.
After dominating the first 40 minutes of the game, the Bulldogs took to the sheds only leading by a slender advantage, which was quickly evaporated by Brett Stewart only minutes in the second half.
This lack of ruthlessness is a trait that is starting to become a regular fixture with the Bulldogs.
If Ben Barba, Josh Morris and Frank Pritchard are not firing, it seems as if the Bulldogs become bewildered for ideas.
The inclusion of centre Tim Lafai this week will be a timely boost considering his impressive form throughout last season when filling in for Jamal Idris.
If he can produce anything like he did last season, his pace and power should provide the Bulldogs with a great new avenue for attack.
Another player who many will have a keen eye on is Bulldogs captain and hooker Michael Ennis.
The injury sustained by Newcastle Knights hooker Danny Buderus on Monday night against the Panthers has opened the door for Ennis who will be eager to impress New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart.
His form this season has been a shadow to that of last season but his toughness and doggedness is rumoured to give him the slight advantage over his direct rival West Tiger’s Robbie Farah.
A strong showing tonight might just about cement his place as New South Wales hooker for game one.
On the other hand, Parramatta won’t be having too many players contesting State of Origin positions.
The lack of depth and quality in the squad has really shown so far this season and their effort against the West Tigers last weekend was for a majority a major disappointment.
Yes, they did score five tries in the last 15 minutes but how motivated were the West Tigers defensively after leading 31-0.
What we did see in the last 15 minutes is a sample of the football Parramatta can play when they don’t have any pressure on them.
They now need to generate that form into 80 minutes of consistent footy. There is no point in turning up when the game is practically over.
After starring in New South Wales Cup last weekend prized recruit Chris Sandow returns to the Parramatta line-up, although strangely on the bench.
It won’t be any surprise come game time if we see Sandow starting in the halves and make-up halfback Casey McGuire resorting back to the bench as reserve hooker.
It will be interesting to see whether Stephen Kearney’s plan of dropping Sandow for confidence building reasons will pay off. Can Sandow rediscover the form that made the Eels break the bank for his services?
If the Bulldogs can neutralise star fullback Jarryd Hayne, it will up to the likes of Chris Sandow and Willie Tonga to finally step up and show their true value to the Parramatta faithful.
Can the Canterbury Bulldogs get back on track in their quest for the NRL Premiership or will the Eels continue on with the form they showed in the dying stages against the West Tigers and win only their second match of the season?
Join us from 7.45pm AEST for live score updates and debate on our live blog, and be sure to give us your opinion in the space below if you are watching or following along.
Jason Cave
Guest
Which raises the question: who should really be given credit for New Zealand's win in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup against Australia-Stephen Kearney, or Wayne Bennett?
Rusty
Guest
Ben Barba ripped us to shreds, found gaps, set people up, got the momentum moving and got involved where ever he could. Hayne didn't. Hayne's so talented but the proof is in the pudding. Right now, Hayne has nothing on Barba. He needs to take control a little more and get involved.
Gerry @ YourLawnAndGarden
Guest
DOGGEEZ >with hands pointing inwards<
Villa_B
Roar Guru
FULL TIME DOGS 46 EELS 12 Who would have thought we would have finished with this scoreline after 34 minutes. The Eels looked in total control leading 12-4 before a penalty for incorrectly playing the ball square by Mitchell Allgood seemed to have changed the momentum of the game. Suddenly rather than leading into half-time, the Eels were down by 10. Rather than show some sort of resilience the Eels showed absolutely no fight in the second half, losing it by 24 points to nil. How many more weeks can performances like these continue with Stephen Kearney at the helm. It's quite simple, the team lack passion and don't want to play for the coach. It's now up to the parramatta board to make a decision as to whether this comprehensive loss is the final straw. On the other hand, Des Hasler will be very proud of his troops for the fighting spirit they displayed in coming back from 8 points down. The dogs have the weapons to scare teams with Ben Barba, Josh Morris, Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard just outstanding tonight. The Canterbury halves were also outstanding with Kris Keating and Josh Reynolds running the show beautifully. It seems as each game goes by, Josh Reynolds just gets better and better. If the Bulldogs can just show a little more consistency, its safe to say the Bulldogs can be a top six side. I hope you have enjoyed tonight's live commentary on the Roar between the Bulldogs and the Eels. Thanks for joining us!
Villa_B
Roar Guru
Maverick
Guest
Even Frank the Tank had parra mesmerised with his stepping around them leaving them dazed and confused. Go the mighty Bulldogs
Dane Eldridge
Expert
That Sam Kasiano interview was beautifully articulate and captivating.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
They could have got rid of him earlier. I think they are going to stick strong. I think he tactically makes some horrible decisions. Chris Sandow on the bench? That will do me.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
I think the Eels form is heavily effecting Hayne's form. I would still pick him for Origin. He is a superstar.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
Was it this bad under Daniel Anderson? Once they lost the lead, the Eels didn't offer anything. Very very disappointing.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: CANTERBURY BULLDOGS 46 - PARRAMATTA EELS 12
Villa_B
Roar Guru
LS Dogs 46 Eels 12 78' TRY DOGS & CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - The dogs shift the ball down the side of Josh Morris who steps in and out confusing the Eels defenders before giving the ball to Bryson Goodwin who slides over in the corner untouched.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
LS Dogs 40 Eels 12 77' PENALTY DOGS - Seriously how can the Eels give away another penalty the following set after conceding points. Where is the discipline?
Chris
Guest
The new parra board promised the world but failed to deliver what football is all about, results!!!
Villa_B
Roar Guru
LS Dogs 40 Eels 12 76' PENALTY DOGS & CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Dogs make their way down field and receive a penalty 20m out from the Eels line. They opt to take the 2 points and Goodwin slots the ball home.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
LS Dogs 38 Eels 12 73' As much as the Eels try, they seem like they wont score in a million years. For some reason Sandow tries a chip and chase 5m out from the Dogs line which is plucked in the air by Michael Ennis who gives the ball to Ben Barba who leads a superb counter attack by the Dogs.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
LS Dogs 38 Eels 12 71' Nothing comes from that set by the Eels and you just wonder if they are going to be kept scoreless in this second half. They are seeing alot more the ball now. They will have another chance to score some points after a Chris Sandow kick is battered out by Ben Barba for a goal line drop out
Jason Cave
Guest
I wonder if this could be Stephen Kearney's last game as coach of Parramatta? Who would replace Kearney-Ray Price, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling maybe? Because the Eels look completely shot of confidence right now.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
LS Dogs 38 Eels 12 67' PENALTY EELS - FuiFui gives a nice ball to Chris Sandow who goes straight through down the middle of the park before being tackled by Josh Morris at the halfway line. Morris holds on for the too long and the Eels have a chance to post some points in the second half.
Villa_B
Roar Guru
LS Dogs 38 Eels 12 61' TRY DOGS & CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL- It was only a matter of time. The Dogs make a few semi breaks before finding a clear line break. It's oh so easy for the Dogs who spread the ball out wide to Johnathan Wright who looks destined for corner before stepping inside Jarryd Hayne and crashing over.