Captain Stephen Crichton lifted Canterbury to a spirited 22-18 comeback win against the Eels, but the Dogs walked away wounded with a long injury list.
Accor stadium was once again filled to the brim – this time with a club footy ‘battle of the West’ contest.
Before a showcase of cracking tries and running rugby league, the fixture started with a pile of offside penalties against both sides.
Stephen Crichton of the Bulldogs celebrates with team mates after scoring a try (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Blaize Talagi was the first on the try-scorer list, linking up with Clint Gutherson on the right edge to further his promise as a young star. His speed and step adds another string to Parramatta’s attack, freeing up space for Moses.
A wayward short-side pass from Bryce Cartwright gifted the Dogs a prime opportunity, which Stephen Crichton pounced on after connecting with high work-rate fullback Connor Tracey.
What proceeded was nothing short of a crazy 80 minutes, that showcased the will of a tough Bulldogs outfit.
Concussion concern for Hayward and Curran
Bulldogs utility Bailey Hayward was ejected from the game early, unfortunately finding the hip of Reagan Campbell-Gillard in a nasty head knock.
Josh Curran later joined the casualty ward in a similar manner but was not able to leave unassisted – the talisman was rushed off the field by the medicab.
NRL physio Brien Seeney expressed his worry for Curran, hoping neck involvement was ruled out of his injury.
Joe Ofahengaue was all class after the blow, staying with Curran until the medicab was cleared to leave.
Burton leads off his boot
Blues extended bencher Matt Burton put his destructive boot in the game early, giving Canterbury vital breathing space from their own half, before putting up an absolute missile which bamboozled Clint Gutherson.
Late in the first half the boom No.6 hoisted a weapon bomb, that spiralled into the oblivion and came down to haunt Gutherson – who found nothing but air as the pill rolled to an unmarked Blake Wilson who strolled over. The highlight reel try was disallowed after a chaser was caught off-side.
In the 64th minute he went on to place a precise 40/20, only building the argument for coach Michael Maguire to put him on the Blues left side.
“Whatever it is, I just come in and put in my best effort for the boys. I’ll always put my hand up for the Blues,” Burton said.
Crichton and Tracey the buys of the year
How can you not like Stephen Crichton? Plus the always present Connor Tracey.
The athletic centre has brought a new spirit to the Bulldogs, and wow doesn’t he lead through action.
The skipper and Blues back is building a strong connection with Connor Tracey, who seems to get better with every game.
Joe Ofahengaue of the Eels checks on Josh Curran (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Crichton scored two tries and set up a ripper for Wilson, doing his best to one-up the vintage Joseph Manu offload.
“The boys are gelling well and we have got that culture,” Crichton said post-game.
“To be more resilient. This year we want to be stronger and keep throwing punches.”
Tracey used his speed on the outside of Clint Gutherson in the 75th minute to find Blake Wilson by his side, who went over for his second try.
The No.1 contributed to three tries, had two line-breaks and two line-break assists. Talk about a night out.
Mann crushed to the bin
Kurt Mann lost his temper, putting pressure on the neck of Will Penisini after the tackle was almost completed – sent to the sin-bin in the 56th minute in what was a pretty easy call.
Fox League analyst Greg Alexander applauded the decision to banish Mann to the bin.
“No question about that. I thought we had gotten rid of that intentional crusher from our game. That is the one that we want stamped out.”
The Eels were unable to capitalise on the overlap, compiling the next 10 minute period with a flurry of errors.
Preston leaves pitch with suspected broken ankle
Dogs diehard Jacob Preston left the field in the 70th minute after twisting his ankle badly while running.
FoxLeague sideline journalist Lara Pitt said ‘the Bulldogs fear Preston has a suspected broken ankle’.
Preston has been a staple for Canterbury over the year and was fast turning from a rookie to a top tier second-rower.
Despite having chances in the final 10, the Eels were their own worst enemy, failing to close out sets and forcing errors.