Clint Gutherson is living up to his ‘King’ nickname on the King’s birthday, scoring a first-half hat-trick to take his Eels to a 28-12 lead.
But it’s halfback Mitchell Moses that’s stealing the show, setting up two of the tries and all but cementing his position in the NSW side for Origin II.
“Give him the jersey now,” Fox League’s Warren Smith said in commentary.
“This has been an absolute clinic from Moses.”
MATCH CENTRE: Bulldogs vs Eels live updates, stats, video
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The Bulldogs got a sniff 15 minutes in when 18-year-old Karl Oloapu pushed off four Eels players before setting up Matt Burton but their joy was shortlived when Gutherson scored two of his tries in two minutes.
Bailey Simonsson then crossed to extend the Eels’ lead after club debutant Daejarn Asi broke through some flimsy defence and set up his centre.
The Eels started the second half with the same intent as Will Penisini bounced over in the 50th minute, but the Bulldogs hit back through Hayze Perham, who zipped through two defenders and charged for the line.
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MATCH PREVIEW
All eyes will be on Mitchell Moses when the Eels take on the Bulldogs in an epic King’s Birthday clash.
The New South Wales No.7 jersey is up for grabs and by all reports Moses is in the box seat to win it. But it will come down to his performance on Monday.
The star halfback will shoulder more responsibility than usual for the Eels too with his halves partner Dylan Brown sideline under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down period.
The versatile Daejarn Asi will slot in at five-eighth for his club debut, while veteran hooker Josh Hodgson was a late scratching before kick-off with a neck injury. Brendan Hands will start, with Luca Moretti joining the bench.
Parramatta are fresh off the bye and also welcome back star prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard back from a groin injury.
As for the Bulldogs, they’re coming off a one-point loss to the Roosters and will be hungry to bounce back.
They’ve also been boosted by confirmation that captain Reed Mahoney has received clearance from the NRL to play despite failing a HIA last week.
TEAMS
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Karl Oloapu 7. Matt Burton 16. Chris Patolo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Jayden Okunbor 12. Jacob Preston 13. Harrison Edwards 8. Max King 14. Khaled Rajab 15. Kurtis Morrin 17. Corey Waddell 20. Jackson Topine
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 18. Daejarn Asi 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 15. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Andrew Davey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ofahiki Ogden 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Luca Moretti 21. Haze Dunster
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