Eels v Bulldogs: Pearson boost for Parra; Dogs stay loyal
Round 7 presents a must-win opportunity for both clubs, albeit for different reasons.
The Bulldogs arrive after edging the Cowboys 28-26 in one of the most entertaining matches of Round 6, a result that kept them firmly in finals contention.
Canterbury has quietly built momentum over recent weeks and shown an ability to win tight contests. Their resilience was on full display against North Queensland, where they held off a determined late comeback.
Parramatta, by contrast, endured a difficult afternoon against the ladder-leading Roosters, suffering a heavy 46-6 defeat in Gosford. The Eels have shown glimpses of promise this year, but consistency remains elusive.
The challenge for Parramatta will be quickly moving past last week's result and focusing on winning the middle third of the field. A fast start could significantly shift the pressure onto Canterbury.
Match: Eels v Bulldogs
Round 7 -
home Team
Eels
12th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
8th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Eels: A few forced changes for the Eels, with injuries hitting their line-up. With prop Ryvrr-Lee Alo and second rower Chloe Jackson both ruled out with head knocks, the new faces in the starting side are Boss Kapua and Fontayne Tufuga. Other changes to the starting side see Jasmin Morrisey promoted on the wing with Martha Mataele also making her return, shifting Zali Fay and Fleur Ginn to the reserves. In another big boost, halfback Rachael Pearson makes her return to the side, moving youngster Jayde Herdegen to the bench. The other new players on the interchange are Khyliah Gray and Layne Morgan.
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are unchanged this week following on from their close 26-24 win over the Cowboys. Elizabeth MacGregor scored a key double in the victory and will again line up on the wing.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi ChurchFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie Robinson
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Jasmin MorrisseyWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Simina Lokotui
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Rory OwenCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Daynah Nankivell
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Lindsay TuiCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Monica Tagoai
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Martha MataeleWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Elizabeth MacGregor
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Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-HikuFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh Quinlan
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael PearsonHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Giovanna Suani
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Taneka TodhunterHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Mary-Jane Taito
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Prop for Eels is number 10 Boss KapuaProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Alexis Tauaneai
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Fontayne Tufuga2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Leilani Wilson
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Tamika Jones
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Keilee JosephLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Layne MorganInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Evelyn Roberts
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Tess McWilliamsInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Paea Uilou
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Interchange for Eels is number 16 Khyliah GrayInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope Millard
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Jayde HerdegenInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Latisha Smythe
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 18 Rueben CherringtonReplacement for Bulldogs is number 18 Leteena Medland
-
Reserve for Eels is number 19 Zali FayReserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Bridget Hoy
-
Reserve for Eels is number 20 Fleur GinnReserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Ebony Prior
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Reserve for Eels is number 21 Kate FallonReserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Moana Courtenay
-
Reserve for Eels is number 22 Kiana TakairangiReserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Waimarie Martin
Eels Ins
- Kate Fallon
- Khyliah Gray
- Kiana Takairangi
- Layne Morgan
- Martha Mataele
- Rachael Pearson
Bulldogs Ins
- Bridget Hoy
- Ebony Prior
- Moana Courtenay
- Waimarie Martin
Eels Outs
- Chloe Jackson
- Ryvrr-Lee Alo
Bulldogs Ins
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Belinda Sharpe
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels ran up a club record-equalling 46 points in last year’s clash with the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs winger Simina Lokotui has scored six tries in her last four games.
- The Eels are aiming to avoid a club record seven-game losing streak.
- The Bulldogs can surpass last year’s tally of three wins with victory over the Eels.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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