Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels Tips, Odds and Teams – NRL 2018 Round 9

Joseph

8 years ago

Saturday’s NRL 2018 Round 9 match is between Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:35 local time with the game to be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney. The home team Cronulla Sharks are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels.

When: 19:35 | Saturday 05/05/2018

Where: Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney

Preview:

The Sharks’ 10-9 win against the Gold Coast was far from pretty but enough to get the job done.

I worked at this game and was far from impressed with the Sharks’ attack which looked very lateral and out of sync.

Losing Josh Dugan will again mean yet another spine reshuffle.

This I’m sure has really been disruptive for the Sharks.

It was only three weeks ago we were all thinking were the Eels going to win a game and now having knocked off the Eagles and Tigers, I would think they would go into this one full of confidence.

I have no doubts the playing group are fully focused on going on a run.

It’s funny since Brad Arthur appointed a new captain, the Eels have looked a different team.

KEY BATTLE: Mitchell Moses v Chad Townsend

Moses has been fantastic for the Eels and is finding the form he posed last year.

Again, excellent in their victory last week, he’ll look to get one over Chad Townsend.

Last week I thought he was in everything and applied himself to the game.

He’ll need to fix a few 5th play options as it nearly cost them.

The Verdict

Hopefully the Sharks are able to get back some troops this week to help their cause.

They looked slow and tired last week and will need to change that.

For me I think the Eels will grab their third straight win.

Parramatta has a 20-25 (44.4 percent) line record as an underdog after a win since 2011.

Unibet Odds:

Cronulla at $1.66

Parramatta at $2.25

Odds:

OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!

Tip: Cronulla Sharks at $1.76

Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Valentine Holmes at $13.00

More Info:

Teams:

Cronulla Sharks:

1 Valentine Holmes, 2 Sosaia Feki, 3 Jesse Ramien, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Edrick Lee, 6 Matt Moylan, 7 Chad Townsend, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Jayden Brailey, 10 Matt Prior, 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Wade Graham (c), 13 Joseph Paulo Interchange: 14 Jayson Bukuya, 15 James Segeyaro, 16 Avagalu Seumanufagai, 17 Scott Sorensen Reserves: 18 Kurt Dillion, 19 Jack Williams, 20 Trent Hodkinson, 21 Braden Uele.

Parramatta Eels:

1 Clint Gutherson (c), 2 Bevan French, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Brad Takairangi, 5 George Jennings, 6 Corey Norman, 7 Mitchell Moses, 8 Daniel Alvaro, 9 Kaysa Pritchard, 10 Suaia Matagi, 11 Manu Ma’u, 12 Tepai Moeroa, 13 Peni Terepo Interchange: 14 Will Smith, 15 Kenny Edwards, 16 David Gower, 17 Tim Mannah (c) Reserves: 18 Cameron King, 19 Beau Scott, 20 Josh Hoffman, 21 Marata Niukore.

NRL News:

Cronulla have paid tribute to legendary rugby league prop Cliff Watson, after the Englishman’s death on Wednesday, aged 78.

Watson played just 39 games the Sharks from 1971-73 at the same time as fellow Brit Tommy Bishop, but made their 50-year team last year and took them to their first grand final in 1973.

The former St Helens’ star spent the rest of his life living in the Cronulla area. He died after a battle with cancer.

Despite his Sharks career being limited to three seasons, Watson was a unanimous choice as one of the front rowers in the club’s team of the half century. The team was announced at the start of 2017, “such was his influence and impact during the years in which he played”, the club said in a statement.

“(His) most memorable (game) being the infamous premiership decider of 1973 against Manly, where Watson went into the match with torn rib cartilages, before playing a leading role despite the obvious inconvenience.”

A fearsome British international, Watson played 30 Tests from 1963-71. He is a member of St Helens’ hall of fame after playing more than 370 games for the English club.

“He was one of the greatest front-rowers for Great Britain ever and left an incredible mark on Cronulla as well as the game in Australia,” NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.

“Cliff’s time at the Sharks was relatively short compared to the rest of his career but his impact and influence on the Club is revered to this day.”

Only a week ago, Sharks pioneer and influential rugby league administrator Bob Abbott died, aged 90.

Cronulla will observe a minute’s silence and wear black armbands in recognition of Watson for Saturday’s home clash with Parramatta.