The Parramatta Eels have broken the deadlock to lead the Bulldogs 6-0 after 20 minutes at Commbank Stadium.
The Bulldogs did well to hold out the Eels on a number of occasions early, but something had to give, and it did when Dylan Brown’s classy grubber was chased down by Morgan Harper who grounded the ball just inside the field of play.
Eels star Mitch Moses is struggling with a groin injury which has been attended to. He remains on the field for now but has had to relinquish goal kicking duties.
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MATCH CENTRE: Eels vs Bulldogs scores, stats, highlights
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MATCH PREVIEW
A new look Bulldogs side, led by former Panther Stephen Crichton will be out to get their season off on the right foot when they take on the Parramatta Eels at Commbank Stadium.
Crichton is one of seven new recruits lining up for the Bulldogs tonight along with Blake Taaffe, Drew Hutchison, Kurt Mann, Jaeman Salmon, Poasa Faamausili and Josh Curran.
In a shock move, Cameron Ciraldo announced Crichton would captain the side in 2024 ahead of last year’s skippers Reed Mahoney and Matt Burton.
The Eels will also be hungry to start fast this season, after what was a disappointing 2023.
Plagued by injuries and suspensions to key players, the Eels missed the top eight completely, a season after reaching a grand final.
TEAMS
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Luca Moretti 22. Blaize Talagi
Bulldogs
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin 22. Connor Tracey 23. Kitione Kautoga