The Eels will be out to avenge a dramatic fall from grand finalists in 2023 to 10th place last year while the Bulldogs will be hoping to see some early dividends after another quality 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 the Pre-Season win over the Titans.
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 daring to dream of a first title since 1986.
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.
New skipper Stephen Crichton is set to headline a host of recruits making their official club debut including the likes of Drew Hutchison, Bronson Xerri and Blake Taaffe.
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Team News
Eels: A late change for the home side sees Joe Ofahengaue join the run-on side with Junior Paulo shifting to the bench. New recruits Morgan Harper and Kelma Tuilagi make their club debuts. With Maika Sivo banned for three games, Bailey Simonsson shifts to the wing and former Sea Eagle Harper comes into the centres. Simonsson has been cleared of injury despite leaving the field early in the victory over the Titans with a hamstring issue. Joey Lussick starts at hooker with Brendan Hands coming off the bench. Ryan Matterson (back) is right to go off the bench but Wiremu Greig (hamstring) will miss the season opener. Five-eighth Dylan Brown plays his 100th NRL game.
Bulldogs: Cameron Ciraldo's side remain 1-17 with no late changes. New skipper Stephen Crichton lines up at centre alongside Jacob Kiraz, who has beaten Bronson Xerri to the spot. Blake Taaffe starts at fullback. After starting both Pre-Season clashes, former Rooster Drew Hutchison and Matt Burton are the halves. Jaeman Salmon gets first shot at lock with Josh Curran starting on the bench alongside Kurt Mann, Kurtis Morrin and Sam Hughes.
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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.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.