Parramatta Eels v Canterbury Bulldogs NRL tips | Round 3, 2025

Eels v Bulldogs NRL R3 best bets

NRL Round 3: Eels vs Bulldogs betting preview

Parramatta have endured a horror start to the 2025 NRL season and will be hoping to bounce back against the Canterbury Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Eels have conceded 88 points across their opening two games, showing little resistance defensively.

Their 32-6 loss to the Tigers last week was particularly concerning, as they failed to capitalise on early field position and were completely outmuscled in the second half.

Jason Ryles’ men will need to find defensive steel quickly, but with star halfback Mitchell Moses still sidelined, their attack continues to lack fluency and direction.

On the other hand, the Bulldogs have enjoyed a strong 2-0 start, brushing aside both the Titans and Warriors with clinical attacking displays.

However, they face a test of their depth with Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau sidelined through injury.

Those are big shoes to fill, and how well they adjust will be key to Canterbury’s chances of covering the spread set by the rugby league betting sites.

The Eels have won four of their last five games against the Bulldogs, but current form suggests they will struggle to match Canterbury’s powerful forward pack and structured backline movements.

If their defensive frailties persist, it could be another tough afternoon for the blue and gold faithful, with Parra pegged as $3.10 outsiders with the top NRL bookmakers.

Eels v Bulldogs Round 3 team news

Parramatta Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Sean Russell
3. Will Penisini
4. Zac Lomax
5. Jordan Samrani
6. Dylan Brown
7. Dean Hawkins
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Jack Williams
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Ryley Smith
15. Matt Doorey
16. Kitione Kautoga
17. Sam Tuivaiti

Ronald Volkman has been dropped, with Dean Hawkins handed a club debut at halfback. Josh Addo-Carr returns from suspension but has been named in the reserves.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey
2. Blake Wilson
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Josh Curran
11. Sitili Tupouniua
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
17. Kurtis Morrin

Bailey Hayward starts at five-eighth for Burton, and Sitili Tupouniua replaces Kikau in the back row. Kurt Morrin and Daniel Suluka-Fifita bolster the interchange.

Eels v Bulldogs Rd 3 betting tips

The Bulldogs have looked far more structured and disciplined than the struggling Eels, and despite missing Burton and Kikau, they should still be able to control this game. Parramatta have already conceded 88 points in two games, showing serious defensive vulnerabilities that Canterbury can exploit. Canterbury have the talent to win this by 10 points or more at -111.11 odds with BetOnline.

With Burton missing, Stephen Crichton will be relied upon even more as a key attacking weapon for the Bulldogs. The star centre has scored in four of his last seven games and will be looking to expose Parramatta’s weak right-edge defence, which has struggled to contain outside backs this season. Crichton’s combination of strength, agility, and aerial ability makes him a strong pick to cross at any time at +115 odds with BetOnline.

Even though Canterbury will be missing some key attacking players, their ability to break through weak defensive lines should still see them put up a solid score. The Eels, despite their struggles, will be playing at home and should be able to generate some points of their own, especially with Dean Hawkins stepping into the halves to provide some structure. With these teams consistently producing high-scoring encounters, the over 46.5 total points looks a strong play at $1.90 with BetOnline.

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