Parramatta-Canterbury clashes were always special for Krisnan Inu – and three years and two NRL clubs removed, nothing has changed.
The Bulldogs centre will go up against his former club on Thursday night, a match which has suddenly veered into the ‘need to win’ territory for Canterbury following a first-up loss against North Queensland.
But Inu won’t need any motivation going up some old friends, one in particular well in Inu’s sights.
“It always excited me, especially going against all the brothers I have over there,” Inu said.
“Obviously Jarryd (Hayne) number one – I’m coming for you.
“It was always a big battle being at Parra playing the Bulldogs, now I’m at the Bulldogs playing Parra – it’s a love-hate relationship between both clubs.”
Inu warned the Bulldogs had to keep tabs on Hayne, after the Eels superstar scored an exhilarating hat-trick in a round one demolition of the Warriors.
“He’s not the only player out there, (but) obviously he’s the key to the start of their sets,” Inu said.
“We’ll do our best to stop him where we can.”
Inu is likely to match-up against Eels youngster Jacob Loko, who impressed in his comeback from a knee reconstruction against the Warriors.
Described by Inu as a “big man-child”, Loko grew up with his rival in the south-west of Sydney, before following Inu into the Eels junior ranks.