The Canterbury Bulldogs and the Parramatta Eels kick-off retro round at ANZ Stadium, both with very different motivations for victory. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
The turmoil and drama around the Bulldogs performances and the future of Des Hasler could be somewhat quietened with a victory against a genuine top eight contender.
For the Eels, a spot in the top four is well within reach. Despite the stark difference in current form, this clash always provides something special and tonight should be no different.
The Eels haven’t felt the pain of defeat since the 10th of June when they were towelled up by the Cowboys. Since then they have had resounding victories against in form teams Melbourne and Brisbane and clinically put away other opponents in the manner expected of a side capable of competing well in the finals.
With a relatively healthy squad and everything for which to play, the men in blue and gold would do well to remember the round 17 encounter when they clawed their way to a 13-12 victory over a spirited Bulldogs side.
Canterbury, on the other hand, do look in disarray. For the talent at their disposal, an average point’s haul of 13.6 per game is substandard and not likely to win many NRL games.
The off-field drama of the season must surely be weighing on the players and coaching staff and the last two weeks presented little evidence of a turnaround in form heading into the final month of the season.
Both sides take in strong squads, the Eels unchanged from last week and the Bulldogs welcoming Brett Morris back on the wing.
Prediction
The Eels have too much on the line to falter and despite a competitive display from the Bulldogs, will grind their way to victory in the second 40.
Eels by 8.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7:50pm (AEST).
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Brenko's defence and ball handling caused more problems than his attack solved after a while, he got a long run early season but after a run of 5 games where he had 4 absolute shockers he got the boot. As for Matt Frawley, his passing is inaccurate, his kicking is completely one dimensional, and the less said about his defence the better. He was also given a pretty long run in the side and showed little.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Not sure we can draw any conspiracy conclusions here but you wonder how the NRL determine some of the draws for some teams compared to others.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Bit harsh. So the Dogs are going that well that they can't find a spot for Brenko Lee and Mick Frawley in their team? They've been the only blokes to show a bit of creative spark from what I've seen of the Dogs this year.
steveng
Roar Rookie
We complain about referees and refereeing, but by gee there were a few blatant forward passes in this game (mostly by the Eels) and the forward passes that were marginal were picked up. That is what frustrates and agravates all NRL fans and why RL is so hard to watch.
Duncan Smith
Guest
Imagine if Dogs hadn't scraped that win over the Newcastle. They would be spoon bound.
Tom G
Guest
Anyone might think it deliberate
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Brenko was in reserve grade, hopefully learning how to tackle. Frawley has been abysmal for weeks, he's a reserve grader at most.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Brilliant - you can find the whole episode on Youtube plus the episode with Eric Olthwaite who is so boring that his family all leave home to escape him. I could do with a laugh after sitting through that drivel. Can't see how anyone can pick the Dogs to win a game for the rest of the season.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks Dutski, much appreciated.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks to all those who joined in on the Blog. The second half was a tad disappointing, yet always plenty to discuss in a Dogs Eels clash.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Well that clash played out as many would have predicted, a comfortable win for the Eels. Parramatta has been rolling along well and looked to have too many weapons for the Dogs. However, there was more to the story than just a win for the Eels. What unfolded was a horror story for the blue and whites and a disciplined effort from the Eels who are starting to look like real contenders. The pre-game changes made by Hasler deemed ineffective and downright destructive and the attacking deficiencies were still clearly evident. Ball control and the kicking game were the two key factors, utilised by the Eels in the first half, that decided the contest. The Bulldogs were never able to achieve decent attacking real estate on a consistent basis in order to place pressure on the Eels defence. The injury to Bevan French is a concern for the Eels going forward, yet the precision and uniformity they are starting to show as a squad might allow them to deal with his absence for a week or two. The media will no doubt be all over Hasler tomorrow and rightly so yet hopefully they don't overlook the excellent performance of the Eels in dissecting one of their traditional rivals. A great start to the retro round as the Eels march forward on their way to the finals with momentum and confidence. Final Score Parramatta 20 Bulldogs 4
Dutski
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call Stuart. Good job, mate.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Jeez I thought the Raiders were having a bad season but the Dogs have been diabolical. Some of the selections by Des Hasler have been bewildering. Where has Brenko Lee been for the past 3 months? He was the only bloke setting up tries earlier in the season. And I thought Frawley has shown a few things when given an opportunity but tonight he gets put on the bench and I don't think he even got a run.
Danno1
Guest
Don't underestimate us Stu, those with any remaining energy may vent tonight. Thanks for the call
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Can't believe what an easy draw the Eels have had this season - the Sharks once, Storm once with all their origin players missing, Roosters once - and finish with games against the Dogs, Titans, Knights and Rabbitohs as 4 of their last 5 matches. Virtually a gift wrapped top 4 finish.
Danno1
Guest
Ah well, have to take the bad with the good, but another season like this and I'll start turning into Golden Gordon from Ripping Yarns Fame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9KXrRUZqtw
Joe
Roar Rookie
I gave Des the benefit of doubt this year but now I think it is time for him to go. Painful watching that Dogs performance. Eels on track for top four. Might be the surprise Grand Finalists.
The Barry
Roar Guru
This is now seven times in 20 games that the Dogs have scored 10 points or less. It's 14 from 20 with 16 or less points.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
To be fair, the last time I saw this penalised was when Keith Harris overstepped the mark at Bear Park. It would be good if the referees actually refereed the game as per the laws of thegame.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Review of the match to follow shortly.