MARCH 9th, 2023 COMMBANK STADIUM,SYDNEY
Prediction
I am going with the more settled side playing at home which is the Eels. The Dogs can make an upset here but I think they need more games to build combinations.
Season Opening Showdown
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.
Eels’ Quest for Redemption
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).
Key Players to Watch
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.
Bulldogs’ Revival Efforts
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).
New Faces and Expectations
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.
Historical Insights
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.
Game Forecast and Expectations
The Eels will be keen to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 with a winning start against bitter rivals the Bulldogs. Coach Cameron Ciraldo has rebuilt the Bulldogs squad and they will be hoping to catch the Eels off guard. Still it might take a few rounds before the Bulldogs new combinations gel and the Eels really should win this at home.
Players to Watch Out For
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.
Drew Hutchison’s Opportunity
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.
Line-ups
Eels
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 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood
Bench. 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Reserves. 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Daejarn Asi 20. Luca Moretti 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Blaize Talagi
Bulldogs
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
Bench. 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin
Reserves. 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Toby Sexton 21. Jake Turpin 22. Connor Tracey 23. Kitione Kautoga
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges. Damian Brady, Chris Sutton , Bunker. Liam Kennedy
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