NRL Round 10 Preview - Bulldogs v Eels @ ANZ Stadium

Canterbury Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels @ ANZ Stadium
 
 Preview - It’s the battle at the bottom of the table, as the 15th placed Bulldogs taking on the 16th placed Eels at ANZ Stadium on Friday night. Both sides have had most disappointing seasons through 9 rounds, sitting at 2-7 and at long odds to get into finals’ contention. The Bulldogs lost yet another heartbreaker, going down 22-20 in Brisbane, despite leading for the majority of the game. The Eels surged late but didn't deserve to beat the Sharks, going down 22-20 despite scoring 3 tries in the final five minutes of the match, before Mitchell Moses missed a shot to send them into extra time. 
 
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - The Bulldogs have moved debutant from last week Rhyse Martin from second row to lock, with Josh Jackson moving back to the right edge. Renouf To’omaga replaces Clay Priest on the bench. The Bulldogs looked sharper last week with Jeremy Marshall-King at hooker who retains his place in front of the out of favour Michael Lichaa. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - Kaysa Pritchard, who has been impressive in recent weeks, is out injured and  is replaced at starting hooker by Will Smith. Tim Mannah will miss up to a month with a fractured eye socket. Beau Scott and Siosaia Vave join the bench.
 
Verdict -Bulldogs by 1-8 in a high scoring game 

I like the Bulldogs here as I think, despite sitting equal with the Eles, they have been far more competitive throughout the nine rounds of the season. The Bulldogs have now lost 3 games this season in heartbreaking fashion, and against quality teams in the process. They led the Rabbitohs and Broncos for large periods and were only run over at the death. The Eels’ form doesn't convince me at all. Despite beating Manly and the Tigers, they were never really in that game against the Sharks despite the late rally.