The Canterbury Bulldogs take on the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium in a classic rugby league showdown. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:55pm (AEST).
With these two clubs holding the last two spots on the ladder prior to this weekend’s Indigenous Round, the stakes are high for these traditional rivals.
The Bulldogs will still be hurting from last round’s controversial loss to the Broncos, having dominated large portions of the match only to be denied in the last minute.
Their attack has been their main issue this season and they seemed to take strides forward in this area last week. While the shifting Suncorp Stadium surface assisted in a couple of tries, it was a much more polished performance in attack from the Dogs.
They take a largely unchanged line-up into this game, with Renouf Toomaga replacing Clay Priest on the bench.
After two wins on the trot, Parramatta hit the skids in last week’s loss to Cronulla. However, they almost pulled off the most unlikely wins with three tries in the last six minutes causing Sharks fans to up their blood pressure dosage.
In the end, a missed conversion attempt from the sideline by Mitchell Moses was the only thing that stood between the Eels and a golden point finish.
The loss of Kaysa Pritchard is significant for Parra, with Will Smith starting at hooker and Beau Scott joining the interchange. Siosaia Vave will play his first game of the year, replacing the injured Tim Mannah in the 17.
Prediction
Recent history supports the Eels, with Parramatta winning four of the last five clashes, and I’m still not 100 per cent convinced about the Bulldogs’ attack.
Eels by 8.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Yes it really was a game where one team would lose it as both teams kept coming up with errors when they could have delivered the killer blow. The Eels especially had a lot of chances which they didn't convert. Loved the battle between the Morris bros and Jennings bros. The two centers in particular kept taking each other on and they both look back to their best. Haven't seen Michael Jennings get so many clean breaks in a while and the cover tackles from the Morris boys was outstanding. Great to watch!
The Barry
Roar Guru
It’s taken six weeks and 25 grand to get a couple of 50/50 calls You’ve got to speculate to accumulate (NRL competition points)
dave
Guest
The Hawthorn/Swans game was the best match i have seen this year
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Four penalties goals, a try from a forward pass, two questionable calls in the last 10 minutes on errors/line drop outs... I wonder if Dean Pay still thinks "they are not meant to win"...
Forty Twenty
Guest
I reckon the Eels not taking two earlier in the game altered everything. It enabled the Dogs to draw level with two penalty goals in a game where they were on the back foot. Of course you are missing the chance at a bigger prize but I reckon it was too risky by the Eels.
Forty Twenty
Guest
Awhile back Paul Gallen started to put player thru gaps and he was very good at it. He set up a try in the Sharks only ever title but why did it stop ?
Forty Twenty
Guest
Awhile back Paul Gallen started to put player thru gaps and he was very good at it. He set up a try in the Sharks only ever title but why did it stop ?
Albo
Guest
Damn you Joe ! I thought I would be skiting that 3 from 3 call, at least untill about halfway through the 2nd half when the Eels failed to convert their early ascendency, gave the Dogs a sniff which eventual turned into total final control. Its the old adage ,,,Use it or lose it ! The Eels blew it again, along with their finals hopes. But I loved the battle between the Morris & Jennings brothers all night. I thought both sets of brothers were very good for their teams and there was not much between them on the night.
Danno1
Guest
thanks going down v.nicely
Danno1
Guest
Agree with those comments. I thought James Graham had that ability when he first came to the dogs he could pass before the line and put someone in a hole or through the line for some second phase. Then after about 12 months he couldn't or wouldn't. I think Wade Graham shows that skills sometimes but not enough, but I also wonder if the players who may have the ability to play the way you describe are actively discouraged by their coaches who want a conservative 10 metres rather than a risky 20. It's a shame
Big Daddy
Guest
Looked a bit chilly out there tonite. Chanel no 9 must have a big budget forking out for coats.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I was thinking about that looking at the scorecards. Two converted tries apiece but four penalty goals the difference. It’s not really about turning down the two is it? Are you going to turn down four or six or eight points...?
Danno1
Guest
Jackson is a guy who always puts in 100%, he also always does the one-percenter plays without fear, and he has skills. He is a real footballer in every sense of the word, the type underrated by everyone but his team mates and coach. Really don't know why others can't see it. If that means we have during SOO time, great!
Forty Twenty
Guest
I reckon there is great potential in the game for a few forwards with real ball skills to emerge TB. Cartwright looked to be the goods for a while and Jake T has good skills but most of the others don't have the proper timing to put someone thru a gap. It's harder today because the defence is stronger than previous eras but I reckon someone will emerge and create a lot of problems at some stage.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Doggies up into 12th...
Forty Twenty
Guest
Enjoyable game , I thought the foot wasn't on the line and the drop out was the right call, the heel looked to be in the air. Once again teams kicking penalty goals are richly rewarded despite the commentators in every game not understanding the concept.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Goodonya Poodles, I desire arboreally-derived utensils insinuated into all things Anguilliform.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I’ve been less nervous in the last 10 minutes of grand finals. Not getting stoked...Parra are the 16th ranked team in the comp...but it’s great to finally get up in one of those close ones.
Nat
Roar Guru
It will be a massive shame if we lose the Morris Bros to the NRL due to the salary cap. Those 2 ran tough runs and plenty of meters to get the Dogs into good position and rarely let tries in on that side (not withstanding the Jennings mishap there). Still very good players and combo.
JOHNYBULLDOG
Guest
Enjoy Danno cheers mate ?