ANZ Stadium, Thursday 14th March
LAST WEEK
Parramatta ($2.30)
Last year’s Wooden Spooners ran out under new coach Ricky Stuart against the Warriors last week and, it was precisely the start Stuart, players and fans were hoping to see. Star playmakers Jarryd Hayne and Chris Sandow appear to be certainly enjoying the coaching changes made at Parramatta last season and together, combined to score 28 points in Parramatta’s 40 – 10 win. Both players looked sharp and dangerous and have obviously benefited from a strong off-season preparation. They were well supported by a workman-like forward pack, led by Tim Mannah and Fuifui Moimoi. Ricky Stuart, whilst obviously pleased with the effort; was cautious about the “long journey ahead” of himself and Parramatta but last week’s win was certainly a very pleasing start.
Canterbury ($1.62)
It hadn’t been the ideal preparation for the opening round of the season for last year’s Grand Finalists as they took on North Queensland Cowboys at Gosford. Ben Barba’s announcement that due to personal reasons, he will indefinitely not be available for selection coupled with the injuries to key forwards Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard, and the suspension of James Graham still applicable, the Dogs started outsiders against a full strength Cowboy outfit. Whilst competitive in the first half, the Dogs did miss the above mentioned players and only produced 2 linebreaks and 19 tackle busts, compared to the Cowboys 4 and 27 respectively. Barba’s departure was a quick and unexpected one and the Dogs need to make effective changes to their attack whilst they await his return.
HEAD TO HEAD
The two teams were poles apart on last year’s ladder, and those positions were reflected in the scoreline with the Dog drumming the Eels by 20 and 34 points on both occasions the two sides met . That’s made it four for four over the past two year’s for Canterbury who also support a very strong record when playing at ANZ.
Parramatta Eels $2.30 vs Canterbury Bulldogs $1.62 at Sportsbet Australia
Parramatta Eels $2.35 vs Canterbury Bulldogs $1.61 at Luxbet Australia
HAVING A PUNT?
Putting the recent head to head stats outside and going on last week’s respective efforts, the $2.30 on offer about the Eels head-to-head does create some interest. As Hayne confirmed this week, last week’s win did their confidence the world of good and they were prepared to chance their arm, scoring several tries from well outside the Warrior’s redzone. The Dogs will have learned a lot last week playing with out the strike power of Barba at their disposal and expect a better effort this week but Parramatta just might have the momentum up and if they’re ever going to snap the losing streak to the Dogs, they’ll get their chance Thursday night.