Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview
The Bulldogs defeated competition leaders Penrith last week in an upset and are predicted to dominate the struggling Eels this week. Parramatta are leaking points and Canterbury can take advantage by covering a big line.
- The Eels have conceded 122 points in their last three home games at CommBank Stadium.
- The Bulldogs have won three straight against the Eels and are chasing a fifth consecutive win in this fixture for the first time since 2013.
- The model projects a total of 46.8 against a market line of 49.5, a gap that strongly supports the Under.
- Canterbury hold a significant run metres advantage on the season averaging 1906 metres to Parramatta's 1607, and also lead in post-contact metres and tackles made.
- Jacob Kiraz has been among the most consistent tryscorers in the competition this season.
Head to Head
This will be the 159th first grade meeting between these two clubs, a rivalry that has grown increasingly one-sided in recent years.
The Bulldogs have won three straight and are targeting a fifth consecutive victory for the first time since 2013, with last season's Round 14 clash ending 30-12 in Canterbury's favour.
Parramatta's saving grace is their record at CommBank Stadium against the Bulldogs specifically, winning five of seven there, but given current form that historical edge feels like a long time ago.
Parramatta Eels Conceding Points Galore
The Eels have suffered three straight losses by a points differential that is as alarming as anything else in the competition, capped by last week's 52-10 demolition at the hands of the Titans where they managed just two tries.
They sit 16th on the ladder and are being forced into changes each week not by choice but by injury, with three more players ruled out ahead of this one.
Jason Ryles will hand an NRL debut to Saxon Pryke off the bench which tells you everything you need to know about where this squad is at right now.
Until the defence finds some structure and the injured players return, it is hard to see where a win comes from.
Canterbury Bulldogs Riding High In Confidence
The Bulldogs are the form team in the competition right now and last week's 32-16 win over Penrith was as convincing a statement as any side has made this season. Cameron Ciraldo has this group believing and the spine of Galvin and Burton is growing in confidence with every game.
Jacob Preston has been outstanding all year, scoring in every Bulldogs win and averaging over 100 metres and 37 tackles per game without missing a minute.
The return of Leo Thompson for his first appearance of the season adds another layer of forward depth to a pack that is already winning the battle up the middle. They travel to CommBank Stadium in the best possible shape.