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Eels v Bulldogs: Foxx to make Eels debut; Hayward steps up
One of rugby league's biggest rivalries will reignite when the Eels take on the Bulldogs in a Sunday afternoon blockbuster at CommBank Stadium.
The two teams enter with contrasting form lines, Canterbury sitting pretty with two wins from two matches and Parramatta still seeking their first victory.
Defence will be a focus for the Eels this week after leaking 88 points in the first two rounds. The Bulldogs put 40 on the Titans last Sunday and have their sights on another big score at CommBank Stadium.
Canterbury will enter the clash without two of their biggest names after Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau suffered MCL injuries in the victory.
Parramatta continue to play without captain and halfback Mitchell Moses, with Dylan Brown tasked with leading the Eels attack in his absence.
The five-eighth was below his best last week but is eager to find his best form in his final season in the blue and gold.
Up front, Junior Paulo and the forward pack are desperate to make a statement that Parramatta will not take a backwards step this year.
Match: Eels v Bulldogs
Round 3 -
home Team
Eels
17th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
2nd Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Eels: No further changes an hour out from kick-off, following a flurry of switch ups from coach Jason Ryles between Tuesday and Sunday. Josh Addo-Carr will now make his Eels debut against his former Bulldogs teammates, while Joey Lussick starts at hooker in place of Brendan Hands. Former Rabbitoh Dean Hawkins is the new No.7 after Ronald Volkman paid the price for the club's 0-2 start.
Bulldogs: A late re-shuffle in the pack sees Jaeman Salmon move from lock to the second row, which bumps Sitili Tupouniua back to the bench. Daniel Suluka-Fifita starts at lock, with Joseph O'Neill the replacement player. Bailey Hayward starts at five-eighth for the first time in his NRL career after Matt Burton was ruled out with a knee injury. Viliame Kikau will also miss the clash.
Match: Eels v Bulldogs
Round 3 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah IongiFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Jordan SamraniWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will PenisiniCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
-
Winger for Eels is number 21 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Bailey Hayward
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Dean HawkinsHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
-
Hooker for Eels is number 22 Joey LussickHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
-
Prop for Eels is number 12 Jack WilliamsProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Josh Curran
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 16 Kitione Kautoga2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine HopgoodLock for Bulldogs is number 16 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 8 Joe OfahengaueInterchange for Bulldogs is number 11 Sitili Tupouniua
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Ryley SmithInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Matt DooreyInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Harry Hayes
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Sam TuivaitiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kurtis Morrin
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 19 Joash PapaliiReplacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Joseph O'Neill
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won four of their past five games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 16 games at CommBank Stadium.
- The Eels have conceded 88 points in their opening two games.
- Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton will make his 50th NRL appearance.
- Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored eight tries in six games against the Bulldogs.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
