The Eels will be out to avenge a dramatic fall from Grand Finalists to a 10th-place finish while the Bulldogs will be hoping to see some early dividends after another hotly anticipated recruitment drive.
After struggling to adjust to the loss of several key stars last season, stability should be a big strength for Brad Arthur's side with minimal changes from 2023 and star trio Clint Gutherson, Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown giving fans plenty to be excited about in Sunday's Pre-Season clash.
Their 2022 grand final appearance already seems an age ago but the fire will still be burning in Parramatta as the core group look to rediscover the form that had fans backing them against the three-time Premiers.
Meanwhile, the 2023 season was one to close the door on after finishing in 15th place but greater depth and competition in key positions can only help Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo improve on last season’s 7-17 return.
After playing just a 20-minute cameo in his first appearance for the Bulldogs last Friday, it will be all systems go with new skipper Stephen Crichton set to headline a host of new recruits making their official club debut including the likes of Drew Hutchison, Bronson Xerri and Blake Taaffe.
Team News
Eels: Maika Sivo's three-game ban for a high shot against the Titans will force a backline reshuffle with Bailey Simonsson likely to shift to the wing and new recruit Morgan Harper partner Will Penisini in the centres. A hamstring is likely to see prop Wiremu Greig sidelined for Round 1 with Ofahiki Ogden set to be given an opportunity on the bench. Joey Lussick and Brendan Hands look likely to share the job at hooker.
Bulldogs: Stephen Crichton is expected to return at centre alongside fellow recruit Bronson Xerri, with Blake Taaffe at fullback. After starting both Pre-Season clashes, former Rooster Drew Hutchison and Matt Burton are likely to line up again in the halves leaving Toby Sexton without a spot. Jaeman Salmon is likely to get first shot at lock with Josh Curran starting on the bench.
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won seven of their past eight games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 15 games at CommBank Stadium.
- Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored nine tries in his past 10 games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs have opened with a win only once in the past seven years.
- Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown will make his 100th NRL appearance
The Eels will be out to avenge a dramatic fall from Grand Finalists to a 10th-place finish while the Bulldogs will be hoping to see some early dividends after another hotly anticipated recruitment drive.
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