Despite leading twice in the match, reigning premiers Sydney Roosters were never really in control of their opening round against South Sydney last week and were defeated 28 – 8.

Roosters centre Michael Jennings scored the opening try of the match which came from a charge down deep inside the Roosters own half.

It was the only time in the first stanza that the Roosters looked like scoring and it was only poor discipline from Souths, often when in possession of the football in attacking positions, that kept the Roosters in the hunt at half time were the scores locked at 6 – all.

A penalty goal to five-eighth James Maloney early in the second half again put the Roosters but only momentarily as the rest of the match was dominated by Souths who ran in three unanswered tries.

The loss has since been compounded for the Roosters with the suspension of Sonny Bill Williams for the three weeks, after he was charged for a shoulder charge. His position this week is being filled by Mitch Aubusson

The Roosters weren’t allowed many opportunities by the Rabbitohs but even when their chances did present themselves, the defensive work told on them and they looked pedestrian.

They are a better team than that obviously and Parramatta will feel thee full force of a side who will want to redeem themselves immediately.

Parramatta put the demons of last year behind them, for this week at least, with a comprehensive 36 – 16 against an underwhelming Warriors outfit.
Several new faces shone for Parramatta including winger Sami Radradra who scored three tries, including the first of the match, along with Will Hopoate, Manu Ma’u and Nathan Peats.

Unfortunately hooker Peats will be missing for this game after being stood down and fined for breaking the NRL’s code of conduct during the off-season prior to arriving at the Eels.

He’ll be sorely missed as he topped the Eels tackle count with 46 and kept the opposition on their toes from dummy half last week.

There’s plenty of potential for Parramatta to build on and this weekend, up against a wounded Roosters will be a great test for them.

Parramatta were beaten by big margins of 50 and 14 when the two sides met twice last season. In fact Parramatta have only won one of their last five outings against the Roosters which have produced high-scoring affairs, only one match not reaching a total of 50 points.

Expect another high-scoring affair here with the Roosters to come out firing after last week’s effort whilst Parramatta will need to step up another level again after being somewhat flattered by an average Warriors side.

Roosters to win but they’ll be made work for it by a new Parramatta side.

Odds Comparison:

Sydney Roosters	1.28	1.28	1.29	1.28	1.28	1.29
Parramatta Eels	3.80	3.80	3.75	3.80	3.80	3.70

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.

Tips: Sydney Roosters to win.

Teams:

Sydney Roosters:

1. Anthony Minichiello 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Sam Moa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Frank Paul Nuuausala 14. Daniel Mortimer 15. Aidan Guerra 16. Remi Casty 17. Kane Evans 18. Dylan Napa 19. Sio Siua Taukeiaho

Parramatta Eels:

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Willie Tonga 5. Vai Toutai 6. Corey Norman 7. Luke Kelly 8. Tim Mannah 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Fuifui Moimoi 11. Ben Smith 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Ken Edwards 14. Joseph Paulo 15. Kelepi Tanginoa 16. Peni Terepo 17. Darcy Lussick 18. Mitchell Allgood 19. David Gower