Jackson stars as Bulldogs maul Eels

Frank Pritchard has scored two tries in Canterbury's 28-4 win over Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.

Anthony Watmough of the Eels limps from the field.

The Bulldogs have mauled Parramatta with a 28-4 win at ANZ Stadium. (AAP)

Josh Jackson has inspired Canterbury to a 28-4 win over Parramatta at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

Frank Pritchard scored a double for the Bulldogs, with Jackson crossing for one himself, a reward for constantly menacing the Eels defence with his strong running.

Pritchard scored the opener in the 21st minute when Trent Hodkinson dummied his way through the Eels defensive line, and in the 46th minute when he latched onto a Josh Reynolds cross kick.

Jackson's carving 30m run in the 52nd minute put the Dogs further ahead, before a scintillating 80m effort from Brett Morris two minutes later put the result beyond doubt in front of 17,082 fans.

In an ugly stop-start first half, the Eels did their best to stay with the Dogs, matching it with Canterbury's monster pack in the middle of the park, with centre Brad Takairangi providing impetus out wide.

Semi Radradra burrowed his way over from close range for the Eels just three minutes before halftime for a deserved try for the home side, and a 6-4 halftime lead in favour of the Dogs.

But it was a different story in the second half, with the Dogs clicking into gear. The final score could have been much greater with Tim Lafai ignoring an unmarked Sam Perrett outside him and Josh Morris dropping the ball with the line beckoning late in the game.

Curtis Rona's 80th minute try was the Dogs' fifth of the night.

Parramatta now need to win all of their final seven matches to ensure a final eight spot.

To make matters worse for the Eels, Corey Norman is set for a month-long stint on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in the second half.

Parramatta forward David Gower was put on report in the first half for dangerous contact in a tackle on Brett Morris.

The win should ensure Canterbury remain in the top eight at the end of round 19.

Moses Mbye was rested by Dogs coach Des Hasler with Reynolds and Hodkinson forming a settled combination throughout the night in the halves.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler wasn't impressed with his side's first half effort but was happy with their performance after the break.

"We probably didn't execute as well as we needed to," he said.

"But now the Origin period is over and we have everyone back, we should be able to get some continuity.

"We have to be pleased with a 24-0 effort in the second half. That was an important game for both sides.

"Josh Jackson was really good and he was supported by Brett Morris at the back."

Coach Brad Arthur said the effort was there from Parramatta.

"I thought we tried really hard but we were just outclassed," he said.

"Our composure wasn't great and that got the best of us."

Arthur said Paulo (concussion), Danny Wicks (shoulder - likely season ending) and David Gower (knee) were other injury worries for the Eels.


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Source: AAP


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