The Sydney Roosters are going for three wins on the trot when they host Parramatta Eels in Monday night football. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00pm AEDT.
The Roosters were gritty in their 8-0 victory over Brisbane last week but still have room for plenty of improvement if they are to consider themselves finals contenders.
Despite their strong defensive effort, Sydney once again struggled with their ball handling and discipline against Brisbane, and were on the back foot for the majority of the encounter.
Had they faced a team like Melbourne, Canterbury, South Sydney or Manly, the Roosters would have been put to the sword last week.
The Broncos however are struggling in attack big time this season, and the Roosters did just enough to keep them scoreless.
Parramatta’s defence on the other hand was torn to shreds by the Wests Tigers last week and coach Ricky Stuart will be demanding a far more accomplished effort without the football.
Like the Roosters, Parramatta invariably put themselves under pressure with poor discipline and mistakes.
After scoring an early try in the second half, the Eels imploded when they let Benji Marshall race away to score a try from a quick tap.
Such errors are unacceptable at NRL level so the Eels really need to improve their concentration in key moments if they are to win tonight.
Prediction
Whichever team can maintain composure and structure in attack and defence will win.
When the Eels managed to secure repeats sets last week, they invariably posted points against the Tigers and looked very dangerous with the football.
Chris Sandow in particular has enjoyed a fine start to the season and will need to be watched closely by the Roosters defence.
The Roosters will need to put Sandow under pressure on the fifth tackle, given that the Eels half has already produced several terrific 40/20 kicks this season.
Parramatta meanwhile will need to keep an eye on Michael Jennings and Sonny Bill Williams tonight.
Jennings and Williams played very well against the Broncos last week and will tear the Eels apart if Parramatta fails to respect possession.
Overall both teams still have a lot of improving to do, but the Roosters with a fit and firing Jennings and Williams should do enough to secure the two competition points.
Roosters by 6.
Arn Olds
Guest
In 81 82 83 86 Parra used to get the scrum penalties and Mick would kick them to victory. Times have changed.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
Well, Sandow cannot tackle. Quite a few errors across the team. Hayne saved one try, but a poor pass to ground by him caused an Easts try. Hayne played decently for 60minutes, but turned his back on one try which I thought odd. But, seriously, Hayne does great kickoffs - high and toward either corner around the 10m line. Alas he had a lot of practise on these tonite! :^/ Mannah is the best Eel IMHO. SBW had 3 offloads in the first 33minutes, very good. Also fired off a great cut-out to the wing for a try. He's very hard to take down, hence the offloads. Sandow is overpaid. He has some talent, but is a clear liability in defence. I am sure his build is similar to Cronk, but he just cannot tackle as well as, say, Cronk. (comparing halves to halves is fair). I also think Hayne, for supposedly their best player and captain, doesnt inject himself enough into the offense. And why do Parra have no set plays? Parra look completely uncoached! Who is in charge of hiring at Parra!?!?!?
Matt
Guest
That's handy on the for and against! All they need to do is play the warriors and get another truckload of freebies
Lancey5times
Guest
John Inverarity and Glenn Maxwell
p.Tah
Guest
Think Hayne regrets re-signing now?
bjt
Guest
The real question is, who's Ricky going to blame for this one?
Alan
Roar Guru
The Roosters were switched on tonight and put the Eels to the sword big time. They have scored 50 unanswered points against a Parramatta team that really is in crisis now after a strong win against the Warriors in round 1. The Roosters to their credit finally showcased their ability to put teams away with Jennings, Williams, Sheck, Pearce, Maloney, Hargreaves, Friend and Cordner tearing the Eels apart in both halves. This is a team that can be destined for great things and they will be mightily happy that they managed to secure another clean sheet for the second game running. The real test however will come when they face the likes of Manly, Melbourne and Canterbury later on. Very good signs though for coach Robinson. Parramatta on the other hand need to save face against the Sharks next week. Their fans will be demanding a win big time after tonight's shocking effort. Thanks for your company tonight and join us next week on The Roar Roosters 50 Eels 0
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Eels once again favourites for the wooden spoon after tonight's effort. They are a lightyear away from where they need to be. Stuart has an almost impossible task of turning things around. Roosters now with one last attack. Kenny-Dowall now finds Aubusson who is tackled. Kenny-Dowall now runs the football into touch and the Roosters enjoy a famous victory! FULLTIME Roosters 50 Eels 0
p.Tah
Guest
OK Ricky, time to give it away now.
Trent
Guest
They beat me to it before I could say it lol
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Maloney converts and the Roosters hit 50!!! Roosters 50 Eels 0
Trent
Guest
Half century coming up!!
Alan
Roar Guru
Just over 18,000 tonight. Majority will be mightily happy with what they have seen this blogger included! TRY ROOSTERS - Cordner with a strong run and races away too score! Too strong but Eels very weak Roosters 48 Eels 0
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Eels lose possession yet again and this is a nightmare for Parramatta. How will they bounce back from this? Roosters on the attack yet again with a chance to hit 50 Roosters 44 Eels 0
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Roosters can do a lot of damage with this attack. They have talent across the park. Yet to concede in nearly four halves of football as Maloney kicks ahead and Sio returns from his in-goal Roosters 44 Eels 0
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Maloney converts Roosters 44 Eels 0 Jennings after a quite first half has exploded to life in the second half. Williams and Jennings have played very well in Roosters colours thus far. Maloney awesome aswell with the chip and chase.
Alan
Roar Guru
Hahahahah bubble. TRY ROOSTERS ' - Roosters enjoying themselves now. Jennings now finds Tupou who is racing away! Morgan with another great tackle. Jennings tearing them apart. Maloney with a chip and chase and he finds Cordner who can't link up! Jennings now finds Tupou who scores!!!! Roosters 42 Eels 0
Trent
Guest
Wow
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Maloney converts and its 38 nil. Great for points difference. Ricky Stuart looks set for a long year after such a bright start with the Eels Roosters 38 Eels 0
WQ
Guest
SBW, what a wonderful Rugby player! Can't wait to see him back playing for the Chiefs and the All Blacks next year.