Parramatta will need to provide a quick – and big – form reversal here given their poor performance against the Panthers on Monday night where they were defeated 44-12.
The heavy loss means that Parramatta now have the worse defensive record in the competition, having leaked 189 points this season at an average of 27 per game.
With a full roster at his disposal, it appears Ricky Stuart’s first year at Parramatta will be long one in their current form.
The only positive one can find for the Eels heading into this match, is that they return to their home ground where they’ve won both games this season (Warriors and Sharks).
The Cowboys record of 3-4 thus far this season, consists of some indifferent performances however, the last three weeks’ performances indicate that they are building to a level that is expected of a team that consists of several international players.
They beat Penrith three weeks ago, arguably should have beaten the Broncos (lost 12-10) and last week accounted for the Raiders (30-12).
The last two encounters between the two sides have resulted in big wins to the Cowboys who recorded in excess of 40 points on each occasion.
If Penrith were able to score 44 points on Monday, the Cowboys with their attacking ability combined with Parramatta’s defensive record, should also register points in the same region.
TIP: COWBOYS 13+
Odds Comparison:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Parramatta Eels | 2.95 | 3.00 | 3.05 | 3.00 | 2.95 | 3.00 |
|
Nth Queensland Cowboys
|
1.42 | 1.41 | 1.39 | 1.41 | 1.42 | 1.42 |
Teams:
Parramatta Eels:
Jarryd Hayne (c), Ken Sio, Ryan Morgan, Api Pewhairangi, Vai Toutai, Luke Kelly, Chris Sandow, Mitch Allgood, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Reni Maitua (c), Kelepi Tanginoa, Joseph Paulo Interchange: Kaysa Pritchard, Darcy Lussick, Peni Terepo, Matthew Ryan
Nth Queensland Cowboys:
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Johnathan Thurston (c), Michael Morgan, Matt Scott (c), Rory Kostjasyn, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson
Interchange: Ray Thompson, Gavin Cooper, Scott Bolton, Joel Riethmuller, Ashton Sims, Jason Taumalolo (two to be omitted)
