Round 2, 2019: Parramatta 36 Canterbury 16

NRL.com

Bulldogs v Eels: Hoffman in for Jennings; Doggies unchanged

Last week's first-round games were crucial for two teams that languished at or near the bottom of the ladder last season.

The Eels rose to the occasion, defying the doubters with an impressive upset of the Panthers, while the Doggies were never in the hunt against the Warriors and suffered the heaviest loss of any team over the opening weekend.

Few if any pundits tip the Dogs to be in the top eight mix, but almost everyone expects improvement on last year.

And while one bad performance doesn't make a season, few positives came out of the thrashing from last week's thrashing and Dean Pay has to quickly make some adjustments or Dogs fans will soon be howling.

The Rundown

Team news

Bulldogs: The Bulldogs have named an unchanged 17 as they look to turn things around after a loss to the Warriors.

Eels: Michael Jennings (suspension), Nathan Brown (pectoral injury) and Will Smith are out, with Josh Hoffman starting at centre, Junior Paulo returning from injury at prop, Tepai Moeroa at lock and Jaeman Salmon on the bench. George Jennings could be a late inclusion after being named in the reserves.

Key match-up

The battle in the halves will have a major impact on the result but it's the hookers who could play decisive roles. Bulldogs rake Michael Lichaa has never really won over Dogs fans despite flashes of promise over the years. Eels hooker Reed Mahoney was a standout in last week's upset of Penrith. The 20-year-old played in nine matches last season but is essentially a rookie.

For the Bulldogs to win

It's all about attitude for the Dogs this week. Dylan Napa and the rest of the pack have to bounce back with a strong effort after being out-played by their Warriors counterparts. If they get over the top of Parra's forwards it will allow the halves to create chances for the outside backs.

For the Eels to win

After firing up for a big season-opening victory over old rivals Penrith, the challenge this week is more mental than anything for Parra. Winning does wonders for confidence and self-belief and it'll be interesting to see if the Eels remain grounded and execute a solid game plan for two weeks in a row.

Brett Kimmorley says ...

It was a tough outing for Canterbury. It was a bit of a lesson for Lachlan Lewis – the big reality check for him was all the time he had last year was taken away. As much as their whole team is on notice as far as the physicality battle goes, Lewis needs to take control of the game along with Kieran Foran. The Eels were very good last week. Mitchell Moses played nice and straight, nice and direct. The young No.6 and No.9 (Dylan Brown and Reed Mahoney) were really good. Eels by 8

Bulldogs Stat Attack

The Dogs had a superior completion rate (88%) than the Warriors (80%) and less errors (five to the Warriors' eight). But they missed a whopping 38 tackles and could be in for another hiding if they haven't addressed the defensive issues.

Eels Stat Attack

Michael Jennings wound back the clock with a vintage display against the Panthers. The 30-year-old former Origin centre scored two tries, made two line breaks, five tackle breaks and ran for 135m. The Eels need more of the same from MJ.

Head-to-head

Played 144, Canterbury 76, Parramatta 63, drawn 5

At ANZ Stadium

Played 30, Canterbury 16, Parramatta 14

And another thing ...

Spare a thought for Nathan Brown. After injuries limited him to 15 games last year, Brown faces up to 12 weeks on the sideline after damaging his left pectoral muscle in the 20-12 defeat of the Panthers. The 26-year-old Eels lock was once touted as a potential Origin player but luck hasn't been on his side.