Eels v Bulldogs preview

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It's a throwback to the 1980's as both the Parramatta Eels and the Canterbury Bulldogs find themselves in the top 8 as the search for the premiership front runner's heats up.

The big news comoing out of the Parramatta camp is the loss of Kieran Foran who has been given personal leave by the blue-and-golds, as he attends to a family matter. This in itself is a huge loss to the Eels who have enjoyed a very successful season to date and the diminutive number 7 has been a focal point of that. However coach Brad Arthur's "next man up" attitude is sure to benefit whoever replaces him and with plenty of other talent across the park, the Eels will still be a tough prospect on Friday night.

Canterbury on the other hand will be desperate to add some much needed consistency to their 2016 campaign. The boiys from Belmore have shown flashes of brillance in games this year but have also displayed their ugly side with defeats against the likes Canberra and the NZ Warriors. The focus for them has to be on ball control and doing their best to control the ruck. It would be a huge shot in the arm for their season if they could record a win against their arch rivals in what promises to be a game filled with passion.

Last meeting: Round 3 2016 - Bulldogs 6 Eels 20

Parramatta outclassed the Dogs in every facet in their earlier clash this season, but the Bulldogs have a real dominance over the Eels apart from that meeting, winning 8 of the past 10. In further bad news for the Eels, they have won just 21 games out of 55 at ANZ Stadium (against any opponent).

Who to watch: For the Eels with no Foran, they need Corey Norman to step up big time. Watch for his short kicking game and linking up with the edge backrowers throughout the game. Expect to see the Eels target Moses Mbye by utilizing their big men, namely Junior Paulo and Manu Ma'u out wide on the fringes of the ruck. His long kicking game will also be important in determining field position early on and limiting the impact of Will Hopoate. 

For the Dogs, look out for the "rabid dog" Josh Reynolds to stand up and be counted in such a big game. Reynolds loves the big game atmosphere and he no doubt has the lingering thought of State of Origin on his mind. When given opportunities and space, Reynolds is a very dangerous ball runner and look for his elusive ball skills on Friday night as well as his great combination with fellow half Moses Mbye. 

The favourite: After Foran being ruled out, lots of money has flown in the direction of the Dogs.

My tip: If the Bulldogs want to be a contender in season 2016, they need to be consistent. what better way to start then against their arch rivals in a huge Friday night game. The fact that Foran is out helps them massively. That said, the Eels still have a lot of class and a very intimidating forward pack aided by some silky backs. This should be a brilliant game. Grab your popcorn and strap yourselves in! Bulldogs by 4.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 20. Vai Toutai 5. Clinton Gutherson 4. Brad Takairangi 6. Corey Norman 8. Junior Paulo 9. Nathan Peats 18. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 17. Ken Edwards
Interchange: 14. Isaac De Gois 15. Peni Terepo 16. Danny Wicks 19. David Gower

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 21. Tyrone Phillips 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 13. Greg Eastwood 14. Sam Kasiano
Interchange: 12. Tony Williams 15. Tim Browne 16. David Klemmer 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;