After two very good wins over the Broncos (in Brisbane) and the Roosters in rounds 5 and 6 respectively, the Eels have been disappointing in their two most recent matches which have resulted in losses to the West Tigers and Cowboys.
Where and when: Pirtek Stadium, Monday, May 12, 7:00pm
Despite scoring four tries to three, poor errors and decision kept inviting the Tigers back into the game in round 7 with the Tigers victories 21 – 18.
Special Offer: $400 Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks FREE BET
In their most recent clash, the Eels were on the back-foot early in Townsville against the Cowboys and trailed 18 – nil inside of the first 20 minutes.
They did well to claw the deficit back to 18 – 14 at the break with tries to winger Ken Sio and forward Pauli Pauli but that’s were the scoring finished for the Eels.
The Cowboys ran in four second half tries to record their best win of the season 42 – 14.
Outside of the Roosters debacle in round 2, it was Parramatta worse performance of the year and highlighted the wide span that demonstrates them at their best, and their worst.
A week off to regroup and returning to home were they have won each of their three games this year, should see a far improved effort from the Eels
The Sharks recorded only their second win of the year in round 8 with a home victory over the Panthers 24 – 20.
The win was sealed late in the game with a try to five-eight Jeff Robson who this week, will be without is halves partner Todd Carney. It’s a crucial loss for the Sharks who rely heavily on Carney to spark their attack however; his absence should be off-set to some degree by the long-awaited return of Luke Lewis.
Also coming back into the forward pack is Bryce Gibbs and via the bench, Isaac De Gois, giving the Sharks a very strong pack and one that will challenge the Eels strongly.
Parramatta have won their last three games at home against the Sharks and if they are sound defensively, they should be able to produce too many points for the Sharks who may struggle with Carney out.
TIP: PARRAMATTA; 1 – 12
Odds Comparison:
Parramatta Eels | 1.65 | 1.66 | 1.64 | 1.66 | 1.65 | 1.67 |
Cronulla Sharks | 2.30 | 2.25 | 2.30 | 2.25 | 2.30 | 2.25 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Teams:
Parramatta Eels:
Jarryd Hayne, Semi Radradra, William Hopoate, Willie Tonga, Ken Sio, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah, Nathan Peats, Darcy Lussick, Pauli Pauli, Manu Ma’u, Joseph Paulo. Interchange: David Gower, Peni Terepo, Fuifui Moimoi, Mitchell Allgood
Ins: Mitchell Allgood
Outs: Taniela Lasalo (dropped)
Other unavailables: Kenny Edwards (fractured hand, round 12), Ben Smith (finger, round 10), Jacob Loko (knee, indefinite), Lee Mossop (shoulder, mid-season)
Cronulla Sharks:
Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Blake Ayshford, Ricky Leutele, Beau Ryan, Luke Lewis, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Bryce Gibbs, Anthony Tupou, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Chris Heighington, Tinirau Arona, Siosaia Vave, Michael Lichaa
Ins: Luke Lewis, Isaac De Gois, Bryce Gibbs
Outs: Todd Carney (hamstring, round 11), Sam Tagataese (suspension, round 10)
Other unavailables: Eric Grothe Jr (back, round 11), Nathan Gardner (shoulder, round 10), Matt Prior (back, round 13)