The Eels took advantage of early Bulldog injuries and piled on three tries to set up a 16-0 lead in front of a near sell-out crowd in Parramatta.
With Josh Addo-Carr out of action, the Bulldogs were hit with more injuries pre-game with Viliame Kikau (pectoral) and Braidon Burns (ankle) unavailable, forcing multiple changes before kick-off.
Winger Jacob Kiraz and centre Jake Averillo injured their knees, with Kiraz failing to finish the game.
Canterbury, however, started to build some momentum in the second half with both sides trading some big shots.
Matt Burton’s spiralling bomb kicks were on show but it was his kicking game that enabled Paul Alamoti to go over on the left edge in the 49th minute.
Just as the Bulldogs looked to be surging home, an error from Tevita Pangai jnr, who was otherwise strong, gave the Eels field position and they sealed the win.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said he was proud of their effort. “There were periods we improved from last week and periods where we lost control and things went against us … we are only going to get better,” he said.
Canterbury next take on the Sharks at Accor Stadium on Saturday from 5.30pm.
Other results: The Knock On Effect NSW Cup, Bulldogs d Eels, 28-6; The Jersey Flegg Cup, Bulldogs d Eels, 26-22; UNE Harold Matthews Cup (Finals week 1), Bulldogs d Raiders, 25-18; Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, Mounties d Bulldogs, 36-4; and Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup, Bulldogs, bye.
