CommBank Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 1 NRL game between Parramatta Eels and Canterbury Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with Parramatta Eels heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury Bulldogs game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 9, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Where: CommBank Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview

The Eels are favored to extend their recent dominance over the Canterbury Bulldogs, who are still struggling to address key deficiencies despite significant spending.

Parramatta has emerged victorious in 13 of their last 16 encounters against Canterbury, with seven wins in the last eight matches. Recent clashes have seen the Eels triumph with comfortable margins, including 30-4 and 34-12 victories in their last season’s meetings.

Despite reaching the Grand Final in 2022, the Eels had a lackluster performance last year, finishing in 10th place after a slow start to the season.

There haven’t been significant arrivals to spark excitement, although Kelma Tualagi is set to make his club debut from the bench. Maika Sivo’s suspension opens the door for Morgan Harper to start at center, with Bailey Simonsson moving to the wing.

Under Cameron Ciraldo’s leadership, the Bulldogs had a disappointing maiden campaign, finishing 15th with the worst defensive record in the NRL.

While Stephen Crichton and Josh Curran are notable additions, they fail to address the team’s major weaknesses. Newcomers Blake Taafe and Drew Hutchison are slated to play at fullback and halfback, respectively, while Jaeman Salmon will feature at lock. Poasa Faamausili and Kurt Mann also join the lineup.

The Bulldogs’ ability to utilize their marquee players like Crichton, Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, and Viliame Kikau remains uncertain due to concerns about the team’s overall quality.

Although the Eels have some concerns with their three-quarter line, the combination of Gutherson, Moses, and Brown, coupled with their superiority in the middle-forward department, should secure them a relatively comfortable victory. With a strong historical record at the venue, boasting a 39-15 all-time record, the Eels are expected to start their season with a win.

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds & Betting:

Parramatta Eels go into the game as the favourites to win at home with leading betting apps having the home side at a relatively short price of $1.35 ahead of the Bulldogs who are outsiders in the market at $3.20.

The Eels have been the best backed team in the market shortening throughout betting this week and likely to start shorter come game time if the betting continues.