PERRETT – TRY OR NO TRY?
A crucial no try decision went against Canterbury Bulldogs Sam Perrett in the 57th minute of play with Parramatta Eels ahead 8-0 at the time.
In the context of the match it was a huge call which could have resulted in a more favorable outcome for the home side.
Referee Matt Cecchin at the time indicated that he thought Semi Radradra had touched the ball in flight after Sam Kasiano’s offload. Replays showed otherwise.
In the first controversial decision at the new bunker facility, the call was reversed with the decision being a forward pass call against Kasiano.
I believe it was the right call, but the process of making the decision wasn’t right.
Our Twitter poll suggests it should have been awarded.
POLL: Sam Perrett TRY or NO TRY #NRLBulldogsEels
— NothingButRL (@NothingButRL) March 18, 2016
DOGS BEATEN AT THEIR OWN GAME
Last week the Penrith Panthers tested Canterbury Bulldogs with a physical affair only to be pipped at the post. Parramatta this week went one better in a brutal encounter.
With the Eels six points up at the break the game was up for grabs and you would have expected the Bulldogs to come home strong in the final twenty minutes.
The Bulldogs lacked direction in attack with Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye not taking control of the game despite several chances including the disallowed try to Perrett.
On the other side Kieran Foran and Corey Norman were well supported by best on field Radradra.
This ultimately was the difference between the two sides.
A big test for the Bulldogs again coming up on Good Friday with high-flying South Sydney set to test them. Will the bruised Dogs bounce back after the disappointment of this loss?
WILL HOPOATE AT FULLBACK?
When Will Hopoate transferred to Belmore during the off-season there was plenty of excitement that the former Eel would be one of the leading players in the back line.
Is he really the Bulldogs best option at fullback with Brett Morris out?
So far it’s been a disappointing start with the Bulldogs. He’s been targeted under the high ball and in some respects has done a very good job.
We’re yet to see much of Hopoate on the attack, that’s his ‘bread and butter’ game. A try late in the game was a consolation from close range against some tired Eels defence.
I would prefer to see Hopoate play on the wing where he’s got a better chance to attack in open space. That would mean a switch for Sam Perrett into the number one jumper.
THE EELS LEFT HAND SIDE BEST IN THE COMP?
Tonight we’ve seen the makings of a fantastic combination out on the left with Semi Radradra and Michael Jennings combining for several attacking plays.
The only try of the first half will be replayed over and over again as Radradra somehow flicked up a pass, twisted and tangled, for Jennings to score. In the second half Radradra and Kenny Edwards combined to put Jennings into open space. Soon after, Radradra scored his first of two tries for the evening.
Radradra, man of the match performance. Too big and strong for the Bulldogs right hand defence. Jennings, best effort in an Eels jumper this season.
Something’s special in the making with these two players combining so well tonight.
IN THE SHEDS
Brutality in the game saw several players go up the tunnel, none at this stage serious.
Tepai Moeroa came off the field after a tackle by Aidan Tolman which is likely to see the Bulldog face the Match Review Committee. Beau Scott was checked for ACL damage during the second half but returned to the sidelines later in the game.
Tim Mannah and Sam Kasiano clashed heads. Both players went up the tunnel with Kasiano coming off worse for ware with a split forehead.
FINAL SCORE
Parramatta Eels 20
Tries: Semi Radradra 2, Michael Jennings
Goals: Michael Gordon 4
Canterbury Bulldogs 6
Try: Will Hopoate
Goal: Moses Mbye
