Round 14: Bulldogs v Eels preview
Eels find new spark for clash with rabid Bulldogs
The Kings Holiday Monday night game will see the Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels clash, with both teams promising fans that their seasons are on track.
The Eels pulled off a great upset last round, ending their five-game losing streak to topple ladder leaders Cronulla 34-22. Meanwhile, a Bulldogs outfit minus its Origin stars stuck it to the Newcastle Knights with a 32-2 thumping at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Both these teams have had their problems this season, with Parramatta's poor form ending the tenure of long-time coach Brad Arthur. Canterbury have had some close losses but have managed to put together some impressive wins and have made their home ground a fortress, being the only team in the competition not to lose at home yet in season 2024.
The return of injured Eels' stars Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson couldn't have come at a better time. Only winning one game since Moses was injured in round three, the underperforming Eels roster was in need of some electricity, and they found it last round with the mercurial half's return to the lineup. Arguably one of the best halfbacks in the league, Moses gives confidence to the Eels both on and off the field, making the blue and gold look like a completely different team. Maika Sivo didn't go missing. Regan Campbell-Gillard partnered with Junior Paulo for possibly their best performance this season, with Paulo earning himself a try. Dylan Brown was back to his running best, while Captain Clint Gutherson racked up 245 meters. Moses' performance must surely keep him in the conversation for Origin as that series progresses.
The Eels will be without gun centre Bailey Simonsson due to a torn ACL, which will see him hang his boots up for the season. Blaize Talagi will move into the centres.
While we are on the subject of Origin, the Doggies' spirit is growing despite having missed Crichton and Burton last week. Down to 12 men in their win over Newcastle twice, the Bulldogs showed maturity and resolve to put on a defensive masterclass. It was also their first away win for the year, which is a testament to the team and shows that they are growing towards something. The courageous win did come at the cost of Josh Addo-Carr pulling a hamstring, the winger felled after a great first-half performance which showed he is a leader at the club. The 'Foxx' is looking at a possible 8-10 weeks on the sideline. Blake Wilson will have the honours on the wing at this stage.
The Bulldogs will be welcoming back their Origin stars pending injuries from game one, with Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton being named in the team.
Last meeting: Round 1 2024 - Eels 26 Bulldogs 8
Who to watch: The hounds have shown they don't need other stars to get the wins, but when Crichton and Burton return from Origin, expect them to be bristling with energy that will flow onto the team. Jacob Kiraz has been in fine form, and the hard running outside back will no doubt be that guy in support, that guy running the ball hard, and that guy pulling off that tackle on the line. This time next year, Kiraz's name should be bandied around for Origin. Jacob Preston has come in hot since his jaw injury, the gun back-rower on the end of four tries in three games. He continues to be hungry for the ball, and his desperate tackle to stop Greg Marzhew from scoring in the opening 10 minutes last Friday epitomised the dogged attitude towards defence that coach Cameron Ciraldo is instilling in his team. The 'Dogs pack and bench rotations will relish the challenge that a gritty Parramatta forward line will have to offer; it will be solid in the middle.
Mitchell Moses will only be out to build on what he achieved last round: his kicking game, directing his capable pack and opening up opportunities for Gutherson and Brown. With the Eels needing to win nine of their remaining twelve games, look to Moses to be the spark to lead them there. 'Gutho' will lead from the back; his attitude and running will be inspiring, and he will be ever-present for a loose ball. The forwards combo of Campbell-Gillard and Paulo battered, crumbed and deep-fried the Sharks last week. Be it the Origins selection snub, the loss of a coach and the return of their little general, I feel they will be ready to back it up this game.
Favourite: A rejuvenated Eels with solid hands on the helm seem to be the favourite at the moment. And given how just a couple of key players seemed to turn the team around, it's not a bad bet.
My tip: The Bulldogs have built a fortress at Accor this year, and this is a chance for them to get their first three wins in a row since 2019. They are going to be champing at the bit. When asked what was different in their game plan last year, coach Cameron Ciraldo said, "No change in the structure or system…The change has been around the culture. We've got good people here who want to work hard, and they love each other."
The Kings Holiday match will be a crowing delight to end the round, and the Bulldogs will take the points by a try. Canterbury by 4.
