The Parramatta Eels take on the Penrith Panthers at Pirtek Stadium in an intriguing Round 4 clash. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm AEDT.
Penrith are sitting pretty at fourth on the ladder, with a one-point loss to the Storm in Round 2 their only blemish for the season. They had a great win last weekend over the dangerous Bulldogs, 18-16.
Penrith only have one change from their victorious Round 3 squad, with Peter Wallace coming back into the squad to replace Isaac John in the halves.
Parramatta are currently 14th, but pushed Manly to the brink at Brookvale last weekend, and that is certainly not an easy task.
For Parramatta, Chris Sandow makes his long-awaited return to first grade rugby league, replacing the underperforming Luke Kelly, while Ken Sio returns takes Vai Toutai’s spot on the wing.
Penrith have found a winning formula this season, with new faces Elijah Taylor, James Segeyaro and Tyrone Peachey all impressing in their first outings with the club.
Fullback Matt Moylan looks to be an exciting prospect for the No. 1 jersey for years to come, while new halves pairing Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace are directing the troops perfectly.
Parramatta flanker Semi Radradra is arguably the form winger in the NRL through the first three rounds of the season. The big Fijian looks faster and stronger than last season, and could be in the discussion for best winger in the competition by year’s end.
Jarryd Hayne has been playing with an ankle injury, but has been named to take his spot on the field.
The Panthers have held the advantage over the Eels in recent years, winning five of the last six meetings. Last year’s only contest ended in a 44-12 victory for the Panthers.
Historically, however, this match-up has been dominated by the Eels, who hold a 59-42 advantage.
Prediction
The Panthers are favourites for this game, but not by as much as you may think. Being at Parramatta, this match should be a tight contest, but the Panthers should have enough class to get over a gritty Eels outfit.
Panthers by 8.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm AEDT.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Eels have played their best game of football in the last couple of years tonight, beating a poor Panthers squad by 16. Jarryd Hayne was instrumental in the win, with many of the Eels tries involving a pass from him somewhere along the line. It could have been more for the Eels, as they absolutely dominated the second half. Panthers very disappointing tonight, after some good results in the first 3 rounds. The Eels get an in form Brisbane team in Round 5, while the Panthers take on the Raiders. This is Joel Erickson signing off from a big win for the Eels. Make sure to join me over on the AFL page for the big Collingwood v Sydney clash starting in 10 minutes.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
79' Penrith should have the last set of the game here. They try the left side, and Tyrone Peachey almost goes straight through. Now the attack to the right is brought to an end by a strong tackle on Lewis Brown. James Segeyaro tries the chip and chase, but he knocks on, and that will end the game. Big win for the Eels!!! Eels 32 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' Willie Tonga has almost picked himself up a try here, but the grubber from Norman is just a bit too big Eels 32 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
77' Really slow play the balls from the Eels at the moment. Chris Sandow has his pass hit the turf, but the attempted pick up from the Panthers is knocked on, and the Eels will get six more Eels 32 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
76' Eels just slowing the play down now. Now an inside ball almost puts Jarryd Hayne away, but Jeremy Latimore reads it beautifully. Now Chris Sandow tries the chip and chase again, and once again gets first hands to the ball. His desperation pass finds the turf, and Matt Moylan toes the ball ahead for Penrith. He now dives on the ball, but the referee has found a knock on. Eels right back on the attack Eels 32 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL Sandow leaves this one out to the left Eels 32 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY EELS A swift backline play of the back of the scrum from the Eels, as Jarryd Hayne gets outside his man and finds Willie Tonga. Tonga puts Ken Sio into space, who steps around Isaac John and scores the sealer!!!! What a result this will be for the boys in blue and yellow. Eels 32 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
73' Panthers just have to start taking risks now. They now drop the ball 20 out from their own line. Eels should be able to put the game to bed now Eels 28 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
72' FuiFui Moi Moi has tried hard all night, and now he goes for another good run down the left flank. Now Chris Sandow finds touch 10 out from the Panthers line. Eels should be ok from here Eels 28 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
71' Numbers left here for the Panthers, and now Jamal Idris runs back infield. He finds James Segeyaro who goes straight through the defensive line. He tries to find Kevin Kingston with the line beckoning, but he's spilt it!! Bad luck Eels 28 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
69' Eels are going to be better this year than most thought I think. Chris Sandow goes for touch with his kick, but Matt Moylan gets across and keeps it in Eels 28 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL No mistake from Chris Sandow. He's 4 for 5 now Eels 28 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY EELS Jarryd Hayne scores out of dummy half!!!! That could be the sealer!! Eels 26 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
66' Isaac John with the kick here, but the Eels have no issue cleaning up from their own 10. Bit of a down spot for this match at the moment. Now a penalty to the Eels. They'll find touch 30 out from the Panthers line. Eels 22 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
64' Jarryd Hayne with the little stab into the left corner which finds touch about 5 out from the Panthers line Eels 22 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
63' Semi Radradra comes out of the line and hits Dean Whare hard. Snuffs out a potential chance. Now the short ball from John to Manu almost has the big man over the line. They switch to the right where Jamal Idris looks to have found Kevin Naiqama with space, but his foot is out before the ball is down!! Exciting stuff this Eels 22 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
62' Sika Manu looks to have lost the ball here but the referee adjudges a one-on-one strip, so the knock on will go against the Eels. Big Chance for the Panthers to tie this one up Eels 22 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
61' Chris Sandow drills the low kick into the corner, and puts Matt Moylan under a bit of pressure. He manages to get himself out to his own 10. Eels 22 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
60' Good defensive set now for the Eels. Soward drills the ball low into the corner, and Jarryd Hayne will return for the Eels Eels 22 Panthers 16
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
59' Good set for the Eels, as they get to the Panthers 40. Now Chris Sandow hoists the bomb into the corner, but Semi Radradra has been adjudged to have knocked on in the contest. Not sure about that one Eels 22 Panthers 16