The Parramatta Eels take on South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 16 June. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.
Chasing five straight wins when they took on the Bulldogs last start, Souths succumbed after establishing an early 12-0 lead. While the Dogs are formidable opponents, Souths’ coach Michael Macguire will want to see more steel from his charges in the run to the finals.
Parramatta too is coming off a week’s break. They put their disappointing season behind them last start, defeating Cronulla 29-20. When the Eels fell behind 20-6 at half time the knives were coming out of the top drawer for coach Stephen Kearney. His team however lifted in the second half to keep the Sharks scoreless, while Jarryd Hayne steered his team to only their second victory of the season. The Parramatta faithful look to have a glimmer of hope.
Parramatta has named an unchanged 17 from the team that overcame the Sharks, though Taulima Tautai has been added to the squad. Willie Tonga (due back in coming weeks) and Casey McGuire (out for the season) are their major injury absentees.
Souths have named a provisional squad of 19. Sam Burgess was not considered after sustaining a knee injury against the Dogs, while Matt King (hernia) and Eddy Pettybourne (calf) remain unavailable for selection. Utility Chris Macqueen has been named to start in Burgess’ place while Scott Geddes also comes into the starting 13 with Dave Tyrrell moving back to the bench.
The Origin players from the respective clubs are expected to back up tonight. Hayne is due back for the Eels after sparking what turned out to be the match-winning try for NSW on Wednesday. Greg Inglis and accident-prone Dave Taylor should return for the Bunnies, though the latter’s appearance is subject to tripping over his cat.
All eyes will be on Parramatta’s Chris Sandow playing against his old club for the first time. He has found himself playing for Wentworthville Magpies at various times this year after his off-season move and will be desperate for a strong showing against his former teammates.
Prediction: Rabbitohs by 4
Will the Rabbitohs cast aside mid-season complacency to put away the bottom-placed side or can the Eels beat another top eight team and extend their one game winning streak to two?
Find out from 7:30pm AEST as we cover the action with live scores and commentary. If you’re watching or following along, feel free to leave a comment in the space below.
julie scott
Guest
being a eels fan all i can say is "kill me now"
Meesta Cool
Guest
A player was taken out in exactly the same way that Cronk got sent off for,, something amiss with this ruke, the offender committed exactly the same foul, one is deemed a send off for prodessional foul, the other gets a free kick and is deemed to be a block. -- I can't for te life of me see the difference!. this has happened at least once in each game tis weekend... are the professional fouls or not?. d
Johnno
Guest
Sack Kearney.
Junior
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Rabbitohs 24 Eels 6 All over. Sloppy end to the game but Souths did more than enough in the end.
Junior
Roar Guru
79' Rabbitohs 24 Eels 6 Eels attacking the Souths line looking for a consolation. Paulo gives it to Burt who was standing next to the cheerleaders when he got it.
Junior
Roar Guru
76' Rabbitohs 24 Eels 6 TRY SOUTHS: Crocker one off the ruck off two steps runs through Sandow et al and it's all over now. Reynolds makes the kick (like I need to tell you) and the refs can blow this one up. Go on do it refs. Do it for the Eels!
Junior
Roar Guru
75' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Reynolds' grubber taken by Burt in goal. Drop out Parramatta. Eels showing urgency which is good. I guess.
Junior
Roar Guru
74' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Couple of more knock-ons from Parramatta (they're happening faster than I can type I'm afraid). Souths still on the attack.
Junior
Roar Guru
71' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Hayne takes chip on his line and Souths attack again come to nothing. Eels have under 10 minutes to make up a 12 point gap. Don't think they'll get there.
Junior
Roar Guru
70' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Knock on from Blair at dummy half. Shocker. Souths on the attack again. Can they clinch it this time? Where's Sandow?
Junior
Roar Guru
67' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Intercept Sandow off an Inglis pass. Sandow runs length of the field and run down by Reynolds. Looked almost certain to get there. That was a Sattler moment. Same ground, not as big an occasion.
Junior
Roar Guru
67' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Penalty Souths for offside Parramatta. Souths 20m from the Eels' line. This is the game.
Junior
Roar Guru
66' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Nothing kick from Sandow goes over the touchline. About where he's at this season it seems.
Junior
Roar Guru
65' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Or NOT!! That's a joke. Parra get away with one there. Souths will be filthy if they lose this one now.
Junior
Roar Guru
65' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Video ref checking for a Souths try to Burgess. Looking for obstruction off a kick. I can't see it. Should be awarded.
Junior
Roar Guru
Welcome Port Moresby (?)
Junior
Roar Guru
63' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Near 40-20 from Sandow rescued by GI. Eels defending well these last two sets. Are they creeping back into it? Maitua knock down gives Souths a scrum feed. Six more.
Junior
Roar Guru
61' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Eels looked lost on that six. Matt Ryan attempted soft grubber became a soft airswing. Not even the last tackle. Brain snap or brain fade? You decide.
Junior
Roar Guru
60' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 Showing a bit more here the Eels. Souths don't want to be complacent. GI takes bomb under pressure and Souths moving it upfield.
Junior
Roar Guru
58' Rabbitohs 18 Eels 6 TRY EELS: Maitua goes in off a Hayne pass. Simple move really, that the Souths defence misread. Burt converts. Will this lift the Eels from their slumber?