Sunday second NRL Round 1 match is between Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors with the opening kick to commence at 6.30pm (AEDT). The game is to be played at Pirtek Stadium which see’s away team New Zealand Warriors hold favouritism in the market. View our NRL live scores, odds and results for the game between Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors.
WHERE AND WHEN: Pirtek Stadium, Sunday March 9, 6.30pm (AEDT)
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Odds Comparison:
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| Parramatta Eels: | 2.30 | 2.40 | 2.35 | 2.40 | 2.30 | 2.30 |
| New Zealand Warriors | 1.65 | 1.58 | 1.61 | 1.58 | 1.65 | 1.60 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Preview:
For the second year in a row, the Parramatta Eels ended last season at the bottom of the competition ladder.
Despite the arrival of former NSW Coach Ricky Stuart, who was billed as the saviour of the club, the Eels lurched from one disappointing game to another with the boardroom dramas at the club often creating more interest than the on-field performances.
By September, Stuart had had enough and left to go to Canberra.
Rookie Coach Brad Arthur is now in charge as Parramatta look to rebuild from the bottom up.
The addition to the roster of Will Hopoate, who returns from a two year hiatus, and former Brisbane Bronco Corey Norman, will give the Eels some much need potency in attack.
The Eels won this game last year comfortably, 40 – 10 but it was only one of only five wins for the club last season.
The Warriors enjoyed playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in the Auckland Nines tournament recently and should be ready to produce in round 1.
Several crucial losses by the Warriors last season saw them miss the finals and finish in eleventh spot.
A strong forward pack led by skipper Simon Mannering should create plenty of opportunities for their entertaining backline which is directed by half-back, Shaun Johnson.
Johnson looked sharp in the Nines and will be a player the Warriors rely on heavily this season if they are to be successful.
Parramatta will want to put the past few seasons will and truly behind them here.
They’ve recruited well and should improve as the season progresses and the team, which consists of several new faces, gels together.
The Warriors however have a well formed team and should have the experience and combinations already in place, to combat the Eels.
Teams:
Parramatta Eels:
Jarryd Hayne, Semi Radradra, Will Hopoate, Willie Tonga, Vai Toutai, Corey Norman, Luke Kelly, Tim Mannah, Nathan Peats, Fuifui Moimoi, Ben Smith, Manu Ma’u, Kenny Edwards
Interchange: Joseph Paulo, Peni Terepo, Darcy Lussick, Kelepi Tanginoa, David Gower, Mitch Allgood (two to be omitted)
New Zealand Warriors:
Sam Tomkins, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Carlos Tuimavave, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Jayson Bukuya, Simon Mannering (c), John Palavi
Interchange: Jacob Lillyman, Suaia Matagi, Sione Lousi, Feleti Mateo, Jerome Ropati (one to be omitted)
In the news:
Joseph Paulo didn’t fully grasp the meaning of hard work until he had to captain a bunch of tradies and businessmen at last year’s rugby league World Cup.
And it’s an experience he believes has made him a better man and NRL player.
The Parramatta back-rower was one of just a few full-time professional footballers in an inexperienced USA Tomahawks squad that included a railroad worker, gas fitter, supermarket storeman, a tyre shop owner and even a fire dancer.
Most had to take annual leave to play at the tournament.
“It was a big role for me to play … but it gave me a lot of joy,” Paulo told AAP.
“Playing with guys that have to work on a daily basis and train twice a week, you sort of understand the mentality of hard work. They really brought that and showed me.
“I’m just really grateful for that opportunity.”
Despite never having qualified for a World Cup before, the Tomahawks won two from three group matches under Paulo’s guidance to reach the quarter-finals – only to be thrashed 62-0 by Australia.
The 26-year-old said the experience has helped make him a more confident player, which he hopes will rub off on the Eels’ youngsters and translate to greater on-field success this season.
“Leading a team like that … brings that confidence to my own ability – the (type of) confidence where you’re just enjoying your footy,” he said.
“It makes a big difference when you’re just going out there and just backing yourself.
“These past couple of months have just been about growing in confidence and trying to encourage the young guys coming through the club.
“They could take my spot, yeah. I know we’re all fighting for something. But if that means the team becomes better, then I’m happy with that.”
The Eels kick off their 2014 campaign on Sunday against the Warriors at Pirtek Stadium.