Costly error helps Bulldogs to victory in scrappy battle
The Canterbury Bulldogs have claimed a hard-fought victory at Accor Stadium on Monday, defeating the Parramatta Eels 14-12.
Neither side were able to stamp some points on the scoreboard in the first half, marking the first time that has occurred since 2021.
Sitili Tupouniua of the Bulldogs celebrates scoring a try Getty Images
But the Bulldogs were not going to allow their roaring home fans down in Sydney, surviving two injury scares to reach a new level in attack in the final 40.
An error by the Eels gifted the Bulldogs another set inside Parramatta’s 20 when pressure began to build and Lachlan Galvin looked to set up a try in the opening minutes of the second half.
The young playmaker flicked a short ball into Sitili Tupouniua, who crashed over incoming defenders to score the first points of the match.
“He just hurled himself into the in-goal,” Greg Alexander said.
Stephen Crichton, who was vying for a spot on the NSW team, followed two minutes later, successfully chasing down a Connor Tracey bomb and leaping over Isaiah Iongi to cross the line with ease.
Just as momentum looked to be going in favour of the hosts, Tallyn da Silva collected a beautiful chip through the Bulldogs’ defence to hit back for the Eels.
And just as their opposition did, the Eels scored another just two minutes later via Joash Papalii.
It looked as though a field goal attempt would be the best answer for either side to claim victory, however, a dangerous tackle on Matt Burton by Tallyn Da Silva gifted the Bulldogs a crucial penalty right in front of the posts.
Crichton nailed the penalty goal with ease to put his team ahead 14-12.
Despite a desperate attempt to hit back, Parramatta were unable to steal the win.
Earlier, Matt Burton was sparked some alarm for the hosts as he walked to the back of the field to speak with a trainer, signalling an issue with his shoulder.
The injury fright did not last long for the Bulldogs though, as Burton, who was a late call-up for Origin I, headed back into attack and to help his team forward.
Bronson Xerri soon after attempted to power his way over the tryline but was denied by Parramatta’s defence.
A slick grubber kick minutes later was chased down by Leo Thompson, but the star prop could not get his hand to it fast enough to score.
As Parramatta ran out to the 20 to start a fresh set, the Bulldogs injected Josh Curran into the action as Harry Hayes departed the field.
“He doesn’t look well, does he,” Greg Alexander said on Fox League.
Harry Hayes clutches at his hip after an ugly tackle. Fox League
The stalemate continued for the remaining minutes of the half until an error by Lachlan Galvin looked to have gifted his rivals their first points.
The on-field decision was to award Joash Papalii the four points, but the Bunker interfered and deemed the play had stopped when Galvin knocked the ball on and eventually regathered it.
“We are going to have a scoreless first half,” Fox caller Andrew Voss said.
