2020 NRL – Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels taking place? Sunday 9th August, 2020 – 07:05 (UK)
Where is Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels taking place? Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
What is the expected weather for Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels? 13c, rain
What channel is Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
Where can I get tickets for Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches
THE TEAM NEWS
CRONULLA SHARKS
Starting 13: Kennedy, Katoa, Dugan, Ramien, Mulitalo, Moylan, Johnson, Hamlin-Uele, Brailey, Woods, Talakai, Graham, Rudolf – Interchanges: Tracey, Williams, Wilton, Hunt – Reserves: Sorensen, Goodwin
Unavailable: Cameron King (Injured), Bronson Xerri (Disciplinary), Andrew Fifita (Injured), Chad Townsend (Injured), Jackson Ferris (Suspended)
- Cronulla Sharks produced a superb late comeback to defeat Brisbane Broncos last week and they have now won their last three matches which has solidified their place in the top eight but they face a big challenge to make it four in a row as they face Parramatta Eels.
- The Sharks trailed by eight with just 10 minutes remaining but crossed for three tries to turn the game on its head and hand Cronulla a vitally important victory in their bid to compete in the finals.
- In a further boost on top of last week’s comeback, the Sharks have named Matt Moylan, Jesse Ramien and Josh Dugan to make their returns from injury with impressive forward Siosifa Talakai reverting back to the second row following a brilliant display at centre against the Broncos.
PARRAMATTA EELS
Starting 13: Gutherson, Sivo, M. Jennings, Blake, Ferguson, D. Brown, Moses, Campbell-Gillard, Mahoney, Paulo, Lane, Niukore, N. Brown – Interchanges: Davey, Stone, Evans, Kaufusi – Reserves: Takairangi, G. Utoikamanu
Unavailable: Peni Terepo (Injured), Ryan Matterson (Injured)
- Parramatta Eels looked like they would run out big winners after an impressive opening to their match with Canterbury Bulldogs last week but they failed to kick-on and nearly surrendered an 18-point lead to the basement side.
- The Eels led 0-18 at the half-hour mark but allowed 16 unanswered points as the Bulldogs hit back with Parramatta clinging on to their narrow advantage for the final 28 minutes of the contest.
- They will need to improve in this clash with Cronulla Sharks but they will still be without the services of Ryan Matterson as he sits out once again with concussion symptoms while Brad Takairangi makes way for Ray Stone on the bench.
THE PREDICTION
Cronulla Sharks showed their attacking prowess despite missing some of their strike weapons as they ran in 36 points in their late win over Brisbane Broncos last week. The Sharks will need to improve on their defensive effort as they face Parramatta Eels but will feel they have the edge over their opponents having won six of their last seven match-ups. The Eels almost blew a big lead last week and they too will need to improve but home advantage could be crucial here and with some key players back in their side, the Sharks can get up with the aid of a +6.5 start.
