NRL 2026, Parramatta Eels, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Newcastle Knights, Round 7, preview, team lists, injuries, updates, Fantasy

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 18 Apr 2026, 05:58 PM

The Eels need to regroup quickly after suffering their second loss where they have conceded 50 points if they are to upset a Bulldogs side still riding the high of defeating top-of-the ladder Penrith.

Parramatta - who have been injury ravaged in recent weeks - were no match for a reborn Titans, who ran in nine tries to two in their 52-10 victory.

The Bulldogs however, bounced back in a big way following their Round 5 loss to the Rabbitohs, making a statement with 32-24 win over Penrith.

The Panthers had everything to play for with Nathan Cleary featuring in his 200th game, but it was the Bulldogs that started with more intent, racing to an early 16-0 lead.

After dosing a Panthers fightback and seeing in realtime the combination between five-eighth Lachlan Galvin and backrower Jacob Preston start to click, the Bulldogs will be full of confidence coming into this game.

Round 7 - Round 7 - Sunday 19 Apr

Full Time

Eels

Bulldogs

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Team News

Eels: Sean Russell will have to wait another week to make his return from a concussion and dropped out of the side in Saturday's 24-hour update. Araz Nanva comes into the centres as a result in the only change to the starting side. Lorenzo Talataina has been added to the six-man bench as a result of the change. Kelma Tuilagi and Sam Tuivaiti have both been ruled out due to head knocks. Jack Williams and Charlie Guymer are the new starting back-rowers, with debutant Saxon Pryke and Toni Mataele the new faces on the bench.

Bulldogs: Inspirational skipper Stephen Crichton has fallen short in his bid to make a shock early comeback from a shoulder injury suffered on Good Friday and dropped out of the squad in Saturday's 24-hour update. More positive news for Josh Curran who remains in the reserves in his effort to return from a rib injury suffered in round 4. New recruit Leo Thompson is also set for his first game for the Bulldogs after recovering from a calf injury suffered in the pre-season.

Round 7 - Round 7 - Sunday 19 Apr

Full Time

Eels

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Joash Papalii

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
Winger for Eels is number 2 Brian Kelly

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Bronson Xerri
Centre for Eels is number 19 Araz Nanva

Centre for Bulldogs is number 21 Josh Curran
Winger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Ronald Volkman

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan Galvin

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Luca Moretti

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Samuel Hughes
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Ryley Smith

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey Hayward
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Leo Thompson
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Charlie Guymer

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Jack Williams

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
Lock for Eels is number 16 Jack De Belin

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 13 Dylan Walker

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Tallyn Da Silva

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Sitili Tupouniua
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Saxon Pryke

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Harry Hayes
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Toni Mataele

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 19 Jonathan Sua

Reserves

Reserve for Eels is number 18 Teancum Brown

Reserve for Bulldogs is number 17 Jake Turpin
Reserve for Eels is number 20 Lorenzo Talataina

Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Lipoi Hopoi

Match Officials

Referee: Liam Kennedy
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 4/19/2026 11:32:23 AM

Stat Attack

The Eels have conceded 122 points in three straight losses at CommBank Stadium.
The Bulldogs have won their last three games against the Eels.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 11 tries in his last eight games at CommBank Stadium.
Bulldogs centre Enari Tuala has scored six tries in six games against the Eels.
Eels centre Will Penisini has scored six tries in eight games against the Bulldogs.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.