The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs faced a tough 38-20 loss against the Parramatta Eels.
Despite challenges from injuries to Enari Tuala and Jacob Kiraz, the Bulldogs fought hard until the end.
Tuala was forced out pre-match with a hamstring injury, while Kiraz hurt his knee during the second half.
Josh Curran stepped into the centre role, returning from a rib injury, while 21-year-old Jonathan Sua filled in on the wing.
The Bulldogs received a warm welcome at CommBank Stadium, energizing them as Bronson Xerri set up Jacob Kiraz for an early try.
However, an error allowed the Eels to capitalize, with Josh Addo-Carr scoring and Ronald Volkman converting for a 6-4 lead.
Volkman then scored himself, extending the Eels' lead to 12-4.
Before halftime, the Eels added another try when Joash Papalii capitalized on a Brian Kelly grubber.
Things worsened for the Bulldogs when Kiraz went down with a knee injury just minutes into the second half.