Former Bulldogs player Johnathan Thurston has made an intriguing prediction as the Bulldogs prepare for their highly anticipated clash with the Eels this Sunday. He believes that, despite recent performances, the Eels should not be underestimated, especially given the Bulldogs’ significant player losses.
During his appearance on Nine’s Wide World of Sports, Thurston remarked that while he initially thought the Bulldogs would have a strong chance against the Eels due to their shaky start to the season, injuries to key players like Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau, and Jacob Kiraz could dramatically impact the Bulldogs’ performance. Thurston noted, “These injuries will really hurt them. Even though they have systems in place and capable replacements, losing two world-class players makes the match more competitive than many might expect.”
Thurston, who enjoyed a brief stint with the Bulldogs before his illustrious career with the Cowboys, acknowledged the impact that a passionate crowd at CommBank Stadium could have on the players. He painted a vivid picture of the rivalry, stating, “You’ll see a sea of blue and yellow on one side and blue and white on the other. In these derby matches, there’s always drama, so fans should brace themselves for an exciting showdown.”
As the teams gear up for the game, Thurston’s insights suggest that the contest will be more tightly contested than people anticipate, largely due to the Bulldogs’ injuries but also because of the Eels’ potential to rise to the occasion amid their current struggles. The match is set to kick off at 4:05 PM, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as two fierce rivals face off.