Canterbury have their spluttering NRL campaign back on track with a hard-fought 18-16 win over bitter rivals Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.
With four successive defeats, the Bulldogs had toppled from top of the ladder to eighth spot and, despite some brilliance from Jarryd Hayne, they ground out a much-needed victory on Friday night in front of a crowd of 30,094.
Des Hasler’s pre-match message to his players was simply to keep hold of the ball and they followed it to the letter in the early stages when Greg Eastwood powered over from close range after a smart pass from Tim Lafai.
With giant back-rower Tony Williams showing glimpses of the form that took him to Belmore from Brookvale for huge money, the Bulldogs were in full control but – against the run of play – the Eels hit back through Hayne in the 21st minute.
Chris Sandow’s floated kick caught the Bulldogs’ defence flat-footed and the advancing Hayne hauled in the ball to touch down under the posts.
Mitch Brown hit straight back for the Bulldogs after another fine pass from Lafai and prop Aiden Tolman rumbled over for a rare try after Sandow had dropped the ball to hand possession to the Bulldogs on the 30-metre line.
Another moment of magic from Hayne set up the Eels’ second try scored by Semi Radradra on the stroke of halftime.
A bullet of a pass from Corey Norman was instinctively flicked on by Hayne into the path of the big Fijian winger who made no mistake from close range.
Brad Arthur’s side came racing out of the blocks after halftime with Radradra crossing for his second four minutes after the restart and Sandow adding the extras from the sideline.
But it proved to be the final time the scorers were troubled as defences from both sides dominated.
The Eels had a great chance to score late on when Sandow found touch with a 40-20.
But his touchdown from a quick tap restart was disallowed after the ballboy tossed the ball to Vai Toutai instead of placing it back on the sideline.
After the play was called back, the Bulldogs held firm to move up to fifth spot on the ladder.
Andrew
Guest
I don t care about the 40/20 issue. I'm more annoyed the dogs got 4 penalties in the first 20 minutes. The refs killed off the eels early and they do it to other teams early as well. Higher profile clubs like dogs, manly and Melbourne always seem to win the 50/50's against lower ranked teams. Last night the eels got some tough calls for mine.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
The ratings last nite suggest otherwise. For goodness sake, you are never going to get perfect officiating in any sport. I hear last nite in another code, a game was lost on so called bad officiating in the last part of the game, or didn't the waratahs win a game on a last minute penalty? Fans of opposing teams are always going to claim foul. This ref stuff is another media beat up. For example, the Sandow no try wouldn't have been given because he didn't even tap the ball let alone be on the mark.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Close to 150 mins from the Bulldogs starting props, massive effort on their part.
Bup
Guest
The game will continue to struggle with officials only applying rules especially in the ruck to one side.fans , who used to know when a try's a try. With the video ref it's a lottery currently.players suspended in ridiculous gradings where others escape penalties which beggars belief.the constant outcomes of games decided by factors other than players themselves. The refs do the best they can but they need to be full time . When ever an important issue arises the nrl remain silent.fans, players and coaches are frustrated while the nrl remains impassive. I am an eels supporter and wether or not you agree with the decision last night, that's 5 times the eels have lost a game as a direct result of an on feild decision. Before you say they had plenty of chances to win. The fact remains the decision with 90 secs to go if reversed means a different result . The bias against clubs week to week has become an epidemic. As a fan of league itself im losing interest and I'm not alone. Look at crowds and tv ratings. Once again something the league remains silent on.Its only a matter of time and a decision like last night will be challenged in court. I've looked up the rules and no where does it state the ball be placed on the sideline after a forty twenty for a quick tap. Treat the fans with respect commission and fix our games issues before you lose many more like minded fans. Disenchanted isn't a strong enough word
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Yep, NRL struggling in Sydney. 468,000 watched the game on Nine last nite in Sydney.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Really enjoyed this game. A game of 2 halves. 1st half was open & fast, the 2nd a war of attrition but enthralling non the less. Plenty of kicking on the 3rd tackle and enjoy seeing if Sandow could kick a 40-20. Plenty to like about tonight and I hope the match isn't overshadowed by the 'ballboy' incident. As a neutral I believe the Bulldogs defence won the game and deserved the win. Keeps the finals race interesting.
The eye
Guest
Don't know how Dessie going to get anywhere near winning the comp with the current game plan...Will Hopoate isn't earning his keep and a shameful ending..special mention to Isaac de Gois' early hits on J.Graham,had to hurt the big fella..