NRL Round 3 Match Preview: The Rivalry Continues

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Tue 18 Mar 2025, 04:43 PM

One of Rugby League's biggest rivalries will reignite when the Bulldogs take on the Eels in a Sunday afternoon blockbuster at CommBank Stadium.

The two teams enter with contrasting form lines, Canterbury sitting pretty with two wins from two matches and Parramatta still seeking their first victory.

The Bulldogs put 40 on the Titans last Sunday and have their sights on another big score at CommBank Stadium. Defence will be a focus for the Eels this week after leaking 88 points in the first two rounds.

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Canterbury will enter the clash without two of their biggest names after Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau suffered MCL injuries in the victory.

Parramatta continue to play without captain and halfback Mitchell Moses, with Dylan Brown tasked with leading the Eels attack in his absence.

The five-eighth was below his best last week but is eager to find his best form in his final season in the blue and gold.

Up front, Junior Paulo and the forward pack are desperate to make a statement that Parramatta will not take a backwards step this year.

Team News

Bulldogs: The loss of Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau to knee injuries sees the versatile Bailey Hayward take over at five-eighth while Sitili Tupouniua starts in the back row. Hayward will start at five-eighth for the first time in his 23-game career. Kurt Morrin and Daniel Suluka-Fifita are the new faces on the bench.

Eels: Ronald Volkman has paid the price for the Eels' poor start to the season, replaced in the No.7 jersey by former Rabbitoh Dean Hawkins. Former Bulldog Josh Addo-Carr has served his suspension and is listed among the reserves while Ryan Matterson is the 18th man.

Round 3 - Sunday 23rd March

Full Time

Eels

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah Iongi

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
Winger for Eels is number 5 Jordan Samrani

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
Centre for Eels is number 4 Zac Lomax

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
Winger for Eels is number 21 Josh Addo-Carr

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Bailey Hayward
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Dean Hawkins

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
Hooker for Eels is number 22 Joey Lussick

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
Prop for Eels is number 12 Jack Williams

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Josh Curran
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
2nd Row for Eels is number 16 Kitione Kautoga

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon
Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood

Lock for Bulldogs is number 16 Daniel Suluka-Fifita

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 8 Joe Ofahengaue

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 11 Sitili Tupouniua
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Ryley Smith

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Matt Doorey

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Harry Hayes
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Sam Tuivaiti

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kurtis Morrin