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Parramatta Eels v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Saturday 5:30pm at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Rob looks at Saturday afternoon's meeting between the Parramatta Eels and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal.

Rivals look to rebound in season opening round grudge match

Two teams aiming for better fortunes in 2024 will renew a decades-old rivalry on Saturday evening as the Parramatta Eels play hosts to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Commbank Stadium.

Going from grand finalists to missing the play-offs in a dispiriting decline last season, the Parramatta Eels will have history on their side as they look to kick start their campaign on a winning note.

Winning 15 out of 26 opening round matches in the NRL era, including seven out of ten during coach Brad Arthur's tenure, the Eels produced mixed trial form with defeat at the hands of the Raiders (16-38) before responding with a more experienced squad to down the Titans (26-16).

Joey Lussick will start at hooker with Brendan Hands coming off the bench, while Morgan Harper and Kelma Tuilagi will make their club debuts. Dylan Brown will make his 100th appearance in first grade for the Eels five years on from his debut as a teenager.

Falling one win short of the finals last season - despite holding a 50% record in home-and-away matches - the Eels performed at their best on home soil with seven wins from 11 appearances at Commbank Stadium.

Coming off a campaign marred by mediocre on-field performances and the worst defensive record in the league, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will be hoping a heavy turnover of personnel brings about a change for the better.

Holding a dreadful record in opening round fixtures with two wins over the past 11 years, the Bulldogs showed signs of promise during the pre-season with a solid win over the Storm (24-12) and a narrow loss to the Sharks (6-12).

Coach Cameron Ciraldo has named seven club debutants for the opening round, headlined by newly appointed captain Stephen Crichton in the centres. Blake Taaffe and Drew Hutchison will start at fullback and halfback respectively as part of a new-look spine.

While the Bulldogs have struggled historically at Commbank Stadium with five wins from 19 appearances, the side's last three victories in opening round fixtures occurred away from home. 

The Eels and Bulldogs have met in a season-opening match three times during the NRL era; the Eels have won two of the three matches, including the most recent fixture in 2020 set against the imminent disruption caused by COVID-19. 

Last meeting: Round 15 2023 - Bulldogs 12 Eels 34

Who to watch: Claiming Parramatta's coveted number nine jersey following a strong showing in the pre-season, Joey Lussick will be looking to assert his standing as a starting playmaker for the duration of 2024. Returning from the English Super League towards the end of last season, the 27-year-old finished the year as the Eels preferred number nine following a career-ending injury to Josh Hodgson. Set to face internal pressure from interchange rake Brendan Hands as the season goes on, the Eels will be looking for Lussick to deliver solid service for the side's more accomplished playmakers. 

Set to start at halfback for only the tenth time in his well-travelled career, Drew Hutchison will have his sights set on shedding the tag of utility in favour of becoming a permanent playmaker. Shifting to Belmore following five seasons with the Roosters, the 28-year-old beat out youngster Toby Sexton for the halfback role following a series of solid showings in the trials. Set to offer a steadying influence on a Bulldogs side lacking leaders, Hutchison may prove to be the player capable of kick-starting a new era for the blue and whites.

Favourite: The Eels are expected to open their 2024 account with a win on home soil.

My tip:  Boasting the benefit of a more settled roster and home ground advantage, the Eels should have the measure of a Bulldogs team yet to find cohesion. Eels by 14.

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 16. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 17. Kelma Tuilagi 22. Blaize Talagi

1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin 22. Connor Tracey

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Damian Brady, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Liam Kennedy;