Rugby league betting super-tight for Eels v Bulldogs

Online NRL betting markets have the Eels and Bulldogs almost toe-to-toe ahead of their blockbusting preliminary final on Friday.

Betfair has the Bulldogs as the marginal outsiders on 2.06 with the Eels on 1.91, although other bookmakers have the teams on identical odds.

Around 60,000 fans are expected to pack out the ANZ Stadium for the clash, with the winner awarded a place in the grand final.

Added history should create an edge to Friday's game – the Eels have not won a Premiership since 1986 and lost out to the Bulldogs in a semi final in 1998.

Both teams have named strong squads for the tie – with the Bulldogs listing play maker Brett Kimmorley at halfback after a month out due to injury.

Eels second rower Nathan Hindmarsh is set to chalk up his 259th game and equal a record set by Ray Price.

Quoted by AAP, Price himself said of the tie: "Parramatta have got a good mixture of old and young players now. I think the old players will definitely keep the young players in hand.

"I think you will find they will come out belting Canterbury with strong defence and I don't think anyone will beat them."