2020 NRL – Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs taking place? Thursday 27th August, 2020 – 10:50 (UK)
Where is Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs taking place? Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
What is the expected weather for Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs? 13c, clear skies
What channel is Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs 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 Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs? 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 Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches
THE TEAM NEWS
PARRAMATTA EELS
Starting 13: Gutherson, Sivo, M. Jennings, Blake, Ferguson, D. Brown, Moses, Campbell-Gillard, Mahoney, Paulo, Lane, Matterson, N. Brown – Interchanges: Stone, Davey, Evans, Kaufusi – Reserves: Utoikamanu, Dunster
Unavailable: Peni Terepo (Injured), Marata Niukore (Suspended)
- Parramatta Eels did what was required as they overcame a very under-strength Melbourne Storm side and they did so without conceding a point, although their inability to score a second half try left some still questioning the Eels’ Premiership credentials.
- The Eels looked relatively comfortable in their 14-0 success but having made 14 errors, they will be concerned by that figure with it taking them to 183 errors for the season and their average of 12.2 per game ranks as the second-highest in the NRL.
- Having won for the fourth time in five matches, the Eels will be keen to improve that record as they attempt to maintain their challenge for a top-two finish but the will be forced into making one change with Marata Niukore ruled out through suspension so Andrew Davey takes his spot.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Starting 13: Mitchell, Allan, Graham, Marsters, Paulo, Walker, Reynolds, Tatola, Cook, Burgess, Su’A, Sironen, Murray – Interchanges: Nicholls, Knights, Mago, Koloamatangi – Reserves: Dargan, Dillon
Unavailable: Tom Amone (Injured), Braidon Burns (Injured), James Roberts (Injured), Ethan Lowe (Injured), Hame Sele (Injured), Jack Johns (Injured), Alex Johnston (Injured), Dane Gagai (Injured)
- South Sydney Rabbitohs produced a devastating first half performance as they blew Manly Sea Eagles away to solidify their spot in the top eight and they will now believe that they can make a push for a place in the top four.
- The Rabbitohs have won four in a row thanks to the 56-16 success which was built on the back of a 38-0 half-time scoreline as Souths ran in nine tries as they produced an almost perfect display in which they completed at 92% which allowed them to enjoy a huge 64% of the ball.
- With 17 more sets than the Sea Eagles, it is little surprise that the Rabbits were able to claim such an impressive win but they have been hit by a further injury blow ahead of this clash with Alex Johnston ruled out with the head knock he suffered last week so Corey Allan starts on the wing.
THE PREDICTION
Parramatta Eels did the job against Melbourne Storm last week but they will be eager to back that up with another strong performance as they take on South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Eels were able to nil the Storm but that success did little to prevent questions regarding their credentials to be able to win this year’s Premiership. Another win against in-form South Sydney may help their cause but it will be a tough task for Parramatta with the Rabbitohs winning their last four including a huge triumph last week and in what should be a close contest either way, it may be worth siding with Souths who benefit from a +6.5 start.
