It’s a bonus NRL Monday this week with a public holiday in NSW and fans will be delighted with a competitive clash between the Bulldogs and Eels. Having already met once this season, the Bulldogs will be out to make amends for their Round 7 loss. The Eels will be motivated to improve upon a recent lull in form and with both sides outside the Top 8, they have everything to play for. This ensures a high level of excitement and Before You Bet is here with a detailed look at what is ahead.
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Bulldogs vs Eels Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 14 2026
Alarm bells should be ringing
Losing a close game is one thing, losing a match where the team lacks quality execution against an opponent they should defeat is concerning on another level. Defeated 22-16 by the Tigers suggests the Bulldogs were in with a chance of winning; while true to some extent, the better team clearly won that contest. Even with more possession (53%) and a high completion rate (84%), they lacked creativity and were unable to build on their 9.3m per carry, 593 PCM’s, and 6 line breaks. Missing 39 tackles, their once strong defence is also crumbling. This is fast becoming a team in crisis requiring a large overhaul to fix their issues.
Spirited but let down by their execution
Traveling to Newcastle to face the Knights with a host of players absent was always going to be a challenge for the Eels. They made things harder for themselves by completing at just 71%, committing 13 errors, and missing 40 tackles. Such a poor standard of execution took away any chance they had of creating pressure. Still, they managed to push their opponents. This was largely on the back of their forwards, who made 8.7m per carry and 509 PCM’s. Poor kicks to end attacking sets released the pressure though and left many wondering how close this club was to ending their ‘rebuild’.
Stats that matter
- Both sides perform adequately at this ground, with the Bulldogs (54%) slightly ahead of the Eels (47%). The Round 7 38-20 win to the Eels was played at their home ground.
- The past 5 matches have seen only one margin below 18 points, with an average win margin of 16.8 points. They have been low-scoring games though, with the average total points sitting at just 40.4 points.
- The Bulldogs have an inferior attack compared to the Eels, scoring just 18ppg to 21ppg. They are strong defensively though, allowing 26ppg while the Eels concede 33ppg.
The winner will emerge late
The odds should be far closer than they are for this contest. While the Eels have underperformed, they have had a weaker squad. The Bulldogs have had a host of capable players at their disposal, and their execution has not matched their talent. You only must look at their performance this season against the Panthers to see what they’re capable of. The outcome of their last contest highlights a lack of confidence. The Eels will sense an opportunity to capitalise and if they don’t, they should immediately change their tune. The Bulldogs have some serious issues to overcome if they are to win this contest. The freedom which the Eels possess, lacking expectations, should allow them to disrupt their opponent’s momentum. Careful not to back the Eels straight out (it is very tempting), the better option is to invest on this game being a close contest, with the winner only certain late.
Either team by 10.5 points
$2.02 (1.5 units)
Bulldogs vs Eels Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 50.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Eels first team to score – something a little different this week. The Bulldogs have not scored first in a game since Round 10; the Eels have achieved this twice in their past 3 games. If they want to cause an upset, they will have to start strongly in this game.
Leg 3 = Addo-Carr to score – He has scored in 4 of his past 5 games against the Bulldogs and twice at this venue in his past 5 games here. It’s been a quiet few weeks for JAC and you can be sure that he will want to make a statement in this game.
Bulldogs vs Eels Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Monday 8th June
Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Time: 4:05pm (AEST)
Odds: Bulldogs $1.52 vs Eels $2.25
Line: -5.5
Points: 50.5
Where to Watch Bulldogs vs Eels
Watch the Bulldogs vs Eels match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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