Roar Guru
The Wests Tigers will be looking to build some much needed momentum when they face the struggling Parramatta Eels today. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEST.
Parramatta and the Tigers are currently on the wrong end of the NRL ladder, with both teams severely struggling to post wins together.
The Eels have lost two straight matches after earlier beating reigning premiers the Manly Sea Eagles barely a month ago.
Parramatta’s most recent defeat saw them lose 24-18 to a Sharks outfit currently on a five match winning streak.
Despite going toe to toe with an inform side for the majority of the contest, the Eels once again failed to secure the competition points in a match where they had their chances to earn a much needed victory.
The Tigers meanwhile haven’t faired much better form wise, but at least they got their second win on the board just over a week ago when they dispatched a weakened Panthers outfit 30-nil.
Their victory against Penrith could not have come at a better time, given that the Tigers ended a five match losing streak.
After rediscovering some semblance of form, the Tigers will be favoured to string consecutive wins together against an Eels side low on confidence.
Prediction
Where does one begin to analyse Parramatta’s woes? The Eels are struggling in all facets of the game and haven’t displayed the attitude necessary to compete in NRL matches, let alone win one.
Key recruits Chris Sandow and Willie Tonga have failed to spark the Eels attack as they play behind a forward pack that has struggled to lay the platform necessary for their strike players to shine.
Sandow in particular is having a shocking season and has been demoted to NSW cup this week in a bid to rediscover some much needed confidence.
If there was one piece of good news to come out of the loss to Cronulla however, it was the performance of fullback Jarryd Hayne.
In a losing outfit, Hayne was superb as he scored two tries whilst also setting up another four-pointer for winger Cheyse Blair in the first half.
Despite his struggles with injury this season, Hayne remains Parramatta’s best hope of securing victory against the Tigers today.
With a NSW Origin jersey up for grabs, it wouldn’t surprise to see Hayne perform strongly for the Eels this afternoon.
If Hayne has an off day however, the chances of the Eels beating the Tigers appear slim, particularly if Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and Chris Lawrence play their best footy.
If the preceding Tigers players can pick up from where they left off against the Panthers, then the 2005 premiers should notch a vital win that may just spark their season to life.
Tigers by 8.