The Stats Zone
April 27 2018, 17:01 · Tom

2018 NRL – Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Sunday 29th April, 07:10 (UK)

Where? ANZ Stadium

What channel is it on? UK - Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers will not be televised live in the UK Australia - Network, Foxtel, LIVE PASS

Where can I stream the match? UK - N/A Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-...

Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au...

THE STATISTICS

THE LOWDOWN

EELS

Head Coach: Brad Arthur

Starting 13: Gutherson, French, M. Jennings, Takairangi, G. Jennings, Norman, Moses, Alvaro, Pritchard, Matagi, Ma'u, Williams, Terepo – Interchanges: Smith, Edwards, Gower, Mannah – Reserves: Moeroa, Evans, Hoffman, King

Unavailable: Nathan Brown, Kirisome Auva’a, Jarryd Hayne

  • Parramatta finally won their first game of the season as they took out their early season frustrations on Manly. The Eels were dominant throughout as they racked up a big score, seeing off the Sea Eagles 44-10.
  • Jarryd Hayne’s troublesome hip injury has once again flared up as he is set for four weeks on the sidelines. He is replaced by Bevan French who has recovered from a shoulder injury.
  • The Eels produced by far and away their best performance of the season against Manly. They completed at a season-high 92% as they punished the Sea Eagles with the Parramatta also making just four errors throughout the game.

TIGERS

Head Coach: Ivan Cleary

Starting 13: Thompson, Nofoaluma, Marsters, Naiqama, Watene-Zelezniak, Marshall, Brooks, Eisenhuth, Liddle, Matulino, Lawrence, Rochow, Taylor – Interchanges: Godinet, Aloiai, Chee Kam, Sue – Reserves: Grant, McQueen, Gamble, Fonua

Unavailable: Russell Packer, Josh Reynolds, Alex Twal

  • Wests threw away the two points last week as they allowed Newcastle to snatch a late win. The Tigers’ game management was poor at the back end of the game with Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s 77th minute try sealing the win for the Knights by 22 points to 20.
  • Alex Twal misses out with a shoulder injury but Chris Lawrence has recovered from a hamstring injury so comes straight back into the starting side with Josh Aloiai dropping to the bench.
  • Wests were very evenly matched against Newcastle last week but succumbed to a late try after failing to see the game off effectively. Part of their downfall came with their poor defence as the Tigers missed 52 tackles.

THE PREDICTION

Parramatta sealed their first win of the season last week as they hammered Manly. The Eels were dominant and will be hoping to finally put in some consistent performances after a shocking start to the season. They will have a chance for back-to-back wins as they host Wests who will be looking for an improved performance themselves after they suffered a late defeat against Newcastle last week. With Parramatta eager to climb up the table, the Tigers will need to be a lot better than last week to contain the Eels and they can do just that.