The Wests Tigers returned to winning ways last week and will be keen to make it two wins on the trot against rivals Parramatta Eels tonight. Join us for live scores and commentary from 8.00pm AEDT.
After suffering a poor defeat at the hands of Newcastle in round one, the Tigers bounced back well against the Panthers and will fancy their chances of outscoring Parramatta tonight.
Despite dominating possession and territory last week, the Eels struggled to put the Bulldogs to the sword and eventually lost 20-16 in a match where star fullback Jarryd Hayne underperformed.
Hayne was largely obsolete in attack against Canterbury and needs to improve tenfold if the Eels are a chance of beating the Tigers tonight.
It’s a shame that Hayne couldn’t fire last week, given that his attacking partner Chris Sandow actually played very well.
Sandow had a hand in all of the Eels three tries last week, and also kicked a 40/20 in a performance that would have pleased coach Ricky Stuart.
The Tigers will definitely need to keep tabs on Sandow tonight, given that the Eels half did cause a lot of havoc when these two teams last met late in 2012.
Prediction
The outcome of this match largely depends on how well Sandow and Hayne combine in attack tonight for Parramatta.
If both of these players can fire, the Eels should be favoured to open up a Tigers defence that can still crack when placed under pressure.
A repeat of last week’s performance in attack however and the Eels will find themselves on the back foot against a Tigers side that has begun finding its rhythm with the football.
Tigers hooker Robbie Farah was the star of the show against Penrith last week, setting up three tries, two of which were scored by Aaron Woods.
Benji Marshall was also heavily involved against the Panthers, scoring a try before setting up Marikia Koroibete’s match winner in the second half with a delicate grubber.
Playing infront of the Leichhardt faithful generally gets the best out of the Tigers and we may just see them click into gear tonight against an Eels side with plenty of room for improvement in attack.
Tigers by 8.
Dave
Guest
Did he tap it and 5 minutes earlier ben Roberts attempted a quick tap and was told he couldn't, he was on the mark(roberts). Not only that the defensive ref was not in position when Marshall took his quick tap, parra were woeful the refs pathetic.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
eagleJack, mate, I recorded this game and watched Hayne like a hawk. Youre overstating his efforts. I saw one try assist, it was from broken play. He knocked on early which led to a Tigers try not long after. 2 of his passes went to ground, luckily werent lost. He was walking around far too much and just refuses to support his wingers when theyre fielding kicks. He hardly ever got into dummy half or first receiver.
eagleJack
Guest
Yeah it was definitely 2 bottom 4 sides fighting it out tonight, Turbo, Hayne wasn't too bad tonight. I hope you don't lambast him this week. 2 try assists, 2 line break assists. Looked dangerous and got involved. The failure to ground the ball when Toutai threw it back to him in the in-goal was poor. And he probably needs to curb the backchat now he is co-captain. But overall not a bad game. Over a dozen other players were far worse.
Morfs
Guest
I wouldn't bother with the second half, mate. Unless you're up for some comic relief, of course.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
Sandow is a complete liability in defence. The first 2 Tigers tries went straight thru him. With this in mind Hayne shud be very close behind him. Hayne had a knock on and a decent offload, apart from that he had an average first half. The Mrs is watching some damn Bollywood...will watch the 2nd half soon. Parramatta look like an uncoached team in defence!
Snowmann
Guest
After watching tonight, i can only sum up Haynes's '09 form with this analogy, "even the sun shines on a dogs @ss some times"...the guy is dead set lazy.
Wamsii
Guest
What were some of the contributing factors to the Eel's not scoring some points before half time? Is it because the sideline referee's acused Ryan of throwing the first punch on Marika? Or is it because referee Shane did not go to the video referee to check if Tigers players did not knock the ball off Loko just before he could score? Are NRL referees being biased on home teams? What penalty do NRL referee's pay for making critical match deciding 'wrong' decisions? NRL matches are not just televised in Australia but the rest of the South Pacific and the world.
yewonk
Guest
ricky should drive ben roberts to the train station and buy him a ticket to wentworthville
Alan
Roar Guru
Thanks Amband. I think the crowd was about 16,000 tenash
Alan
Roar Guru
The Eels only have themselves to blame for losing against the Tigers tonight. Two brain explosions in the second half cost them dearly in the end. First Marshall was allowed to score from a quick tap that the Eels were not prepared for. Then Tautai produces a low percentage play in the in-goal after he tried to bat the football back to Hayne, who missed the ball. Moltzen then scored soon after. Had the Eels just managed to maintain concentration there, this game would have been a lot closer. Tigers though too clinical in attack tonight and they really made Parramatta pay for their errors. Sandow tried hard yet again for the Eels tonight, making a break and kicking a monster 40/20. Hayne was in and out of the contest but did set up a try in the second half with a fine pass. Plenty to work on for the Eels. The Tigers march on to a blockbuster with Manly. Thanks for your company tonight and join us tomorrow for Saturday night footy! Tigers 31 Eels 18
tenash
Guest
hey Alan, any idea about the crowd figure ?
yewonk
Guest
tim mannah was a stand out for parra he will become the new hindmarsh with performances like tha
amband
Guest
thanks again Alan. See ya next time
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Paulo loses possession and that sums up the Eels night as the Tigers win! Tigers 31 Eels 18
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Marshall with a kick now and you have to say had the Eels just maintained concentration with Marshall's quick tap, this game could be alot closer Tigers 31 Eels 18
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Its been a forgettable night for the Eels but at least they have made the scoreboard look respectable given that the Tigers dominated this encounter Tigers 31 Eels 18
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Tautai is bowled by a pass here as the football goes through his legs. Rocks and diamonds evening for Tautai tonight Tigers 31 Eels 18
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Mannah wins the penalty for the Eels and they go back on the attack. Time has beaten them though Tigers 31 Eels 18
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - MIller with a kick now and Tautai regathers on the full but the Eels appear to have run out of time here Tigers 31 Eels 18
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Loko with a strong fend but his offload finds the sideline and the Tigers hold on in defence. Tigers 31 Eels 18