Monday only NRL Round 9 match is between Parramatta Eels and Cronulla Sharks with the opening kick to commence at 7:00pm local time. The game is to be played at Pirtek Stadium which see’s home team Parramatta Eels hold favouritism in the market. View our NRL live scores, odds and results for the game between Parramatta Eels and Cronulla Sharks.

Where and when: Pirtek Stadium, Monday, May 12, 7:00pm

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.

Preview:

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.

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.

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.

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)

News:

Parramatta loves a cult hero and they’ve unearthed another star to bring the fans to their feet in big second rower Pauli Pauli.

A drawn out bellowing of “Fui” has dominated Eels NRL home games for the past decade in honour of the ultimate crowd favourite, Fuifui Moimoi.

Before him there was Mark Tookey in the late 1990s. The man mountain would hear his surname resounding around the ground whenever he took a hit-up.

And you think it can’t be too long until Pauli becomes part of the vernacular amongst the Parramatta faithful.

The 19-year-old who stands at an imposing 188cm and 105kg hasn’t taken long to force his way into the Eels starting side and it’s no surprise he’s been taking advice from another bruising body with a catchy name, Moimoi.

Pauli will go head to head with Cronulla and Paul Gallen on Monday night at Parramatta Stadium, and admits he’d one day like to lift the temp of the crowd like his mentor Moimoi.

“I don’t see myself as a favourite (at the moment) but if it does happen in the future then I’m happy,” Pauli told AAP.

“I’m still young and trying to start off my career.

“Fui’s probably been my main idol. He’s the main person I look up to because he’s got strong carries and he works hard.

“I’m trying to replicate my game on Fui.

“He’s mentally tough and physically tough as well so he’s got a lot of experience to be able to tell me what to do.”

Sydney-born Pauli was eligible to play for Samoa in last week’s Pacific Test, but decided instead to represent NSW in the under 20s State of Origin, in a boost for the future of the Blues forward pack.

Pauli has locked horns with the likes of Matt Scott, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Aaron Woods in recent weeks, but ahead of his clash with Origin skipper Gallen – the Parramatta junior says he fears no one.

“No I haven’t been intimidated by anyone,” he said.

“I’m only scared of God.”

Parramatta and Cronulla are playing for the Johnny Mannah Cup on Monday night, in memory of the late prop who represented both clubs.

It’s a big game for his brother, Eels co-captain Tim Mannah, who this week re-signed with Parramatta for a further three seasons.

Cronulla are missing five-eighth Todd Carney, but welcome back warhorse Luke Lewis, who will wear the No.6.