The Eels will be looking to avenge a catastrophic drop from Grand Finalists to 10th place, while the Bulldogs will be expecting to see some early results from another highly anticipated recruitment push.
After failing to deal to the departure of numerous important players last season, Brad Arthur’s team could benefit from stability, with few changes from 2023 and top trio Clint Gutherson, Mitch Moses, and Dylan Brown providing supporters with much to look forward to in Sunday’s Pre-Season encounter.
Their presence in the 2022 grand final seems like a distant memory, but the fire will continue to burn in Parramatta as the core group strives to regain the form that had supporters rooting for them against the three-time premiers.
Meanwhile, the 2023 season was over after finishing 15th, but Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo can only improve on previous season’s 7-17 record with more depth and competition in important positions.
After only a 20-minute cameo in his first appearance for the Bulldogs last Friday, it will be all systems go with new captain Stephen Crichton leading a slew of new signings making their formal club debuts, including Drew Hutchison, Bronson Xerri, and Blake Taffe.
TEAM NEWS:
Bulldogs: Stephen Crichton is anticipated to return to centre with fellow recruit Bronson Xerri, with Blake Taaffe playing fullback. After starting both Pre-Season games, former Roosters Drew Hutchison and Matt Burton are expected to return to the halves, leaving Toby Sexton out. Jaeman Salmon is set to earn the first shot at lock, with Josh Curran starting on the bench.
Eels: Maika Sivo’s three-game suspension for a high shot against the Titans will require a backline rearrangement, with Bailey Simonsson expected to go to the wing and newcomer Morgan Harper partnering Will Penisini in the centres. Prop Wiremu Greig is expected to miss Round 1 due to a hamstring injury, with Ofahiki Ogden poised to start on the bench. Joey Lussick and Brendan Hands are expected to share the hooker position.
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