Both sides languish at the bottom of the table with similar records of three wins and six losses.
St. George’s record may have read a lot better had it not been for two narrow loses in the past fortnight. They were competitive against Manly despite going down 24-18 after the Sea Eagles scored in the last ten minutes and similarly last week against the Titans, it was a field goal in the final moments that denied them victory.
Some stats that do stand out when analysing the Dragons’ form is that in their nine matches this season, only once have they exceeded 20 points (25 points v Cronulla round 4) and Jamie Soward, has kicked a field goal in four of these matches – including in their three wins.
Parramatta surprised most last week including their opponents Brisbane when they jumped to a 12 point lead inside the first ten minutes before holding on late to register a much needed 19-18 win.
Parramatta was helped by Brisbane’s inability to capitalise on the opportunities despite have the better of most of the stats at the end of the game.
It was a much needed win for the Eels who need to consolidate that win with another and before they lose star playmaker Jarrad Hayne to Origin duties for several weeks.
You have to go back to 2009 finals to recall the last time Parramatta came out on top on St. George (drawn game 14-all in 2011).
At home and being the more consistent performers of the two sides, the safe option would be to stick with the Dragons but the wouldn’t have thought there was as much in at as they market suggests.
Odds Comparison by NRL odds:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| St George Illawarra Dragons | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.46 |
|
Parramatta Eels
|
2.80 | 2.80 | 2.80 | 2.80 | 2.80 | 2.80 |
Teams:
St George Illawarra Dragons:
Josh Dugan, Jason Nightingale, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Daniel Vidot, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Tyson Frizell, Ben Creagh (c), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Matt Prior, Jack de Belin, Jack Stockwell, Cameron King
Parramatta Eels:
Jarryd Hayne (c), Ken Sio, Api Pewhairangi, Jacob Loko, Vai Toutai, Luke Kelly, Chris Sandow, Fuifui Moimoi, Matt Keating, Tim Mannah, Reni Maitua (c), Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo. Interchange: Kaysa Pritchard, Junior Paulo, Joseph Paulo, Mitch Allgood
