Parramatta will equal their biggest winning streak in more than five years if they can knock off arch rivals Canterbury in their Heritage Round blockbuster at ANZ Stadium.
The Eels haven't strung together four successive victories since rounds five to eight back in 2010. But if they can match the feat on Friday, the Eels could move alongside the Bulldogs and a logjam of other teams sitting on the cusp of the eight on 20 competition points.
Parra's finals hopes appeared to be shot after a run of heartbreaking defeats. But consecutive victories against Melbourne, St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers have breathed fresh life into their premiership campaign.
Leader: Eels skipper Tim Mannah is looking forward to the Bulldogs clash. Photo: Getty Images
It has been so long since the club put together four straight wins that captain Tim Mannah couldn't recall the last time the feat was achieved. "Did we do that last year? That's a good question, it will probably be a while," Mannah said.
"We're not getting too far ahead of ourselves, we're not looking back or forward too much. It's about what we can control this week and that's the Bulldogs game. There's no point looking back at what we've accomplished and there's no point looking at the ladder and getting too far ahead of ourselves either."
Playmaker Corey Norman added: "It will be good if we get that [fourth win], and we've been building for it. We can't worry about the four in a row, we have to worry about the Doggies on Friday night, and what we have to do."
The great rivals clashed in round two, with the Bulldogs prevailing 32-12 against an injury-ravaged Parramatta outfit. The Eels may welcome back hooker Nathan Peats from a knee injury, although a decision on his fitness won't be made until just before kick off. The match will kick off the NRL's Heritage Round celebrations.
"Being involved with the club for a while now you can see how much the fans get involved with the rivalry," Mannah said. "Two Sydney teams that are based pretty close together, a huge rivalry in the '80s. It's always a special game to play in. Some of my fondest memories [are] of these clashes and I'm looking forward to Friday night as well."
The Bulldogs are coming off a loss to Brisbane and need to win to consolidate a place in the top eight, or face the prospect of being leapfrogged by the Eels and other teams. "A side like that, they will be looking [to avoid] two losses in a row," said Eels three-quarter Ryan Morgan.
"They deserve where they are sitting on the ladder but we're looking to keep our form going and roll them over."
Injury to Reece Robinson has forced Norman to shift to fullback, pairing Luke Kelly and Chris Sandow in the halves. The latter won't be at the club next year but his recent consistent form has boosted his prospects of finding a home elsewhere.
"The position I'm in, you have to make the most of the times you get a chance to play, so hopefully I make the most of the opportunity and play well," said off-contract halfback Kelly.
Replies
Just keep your eyes on the game boys, not the streak!
If we kicked our goals we would have beaten the Warriors and potentially Souths also.