The Parramatta Eels finally have cause for optimism this season and should start favourites when they host the struggling Sydney Roosters tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.
What a difference a month makes in rugby league. It was barely four weeks ago that the Roosters thrashed the Eels in Round 2 – a result that once again raised severe doubts about Parramatta’s ability to shed the wooden spoon.
Ever since that defeat however, the Eels have turned a new corner and are currently playing some outstanding football.
A controversial loss to Manly, followed by back to back victories over Penrith and Brisbane suddenly has Parramatta thinking of finals football yet again.
For the first time since 2009, the Eels are playing with plenty of energy and skill in attack and defence – they should cause the Roosters plenty of problems tonight.
Chris Sandow was electric against the Broncos last week, making three line-breaks before kicking a clutch 40-metre field goal to guide the Eels home in a cracking contest up at Suncorp Stadium.
Throw in the solid performances of Nathan Peats, Jarryd Hayne, Corey Norman, Semi Radradra and Will Hopoate and Parramatta now possess the attacking class to trouble any team in the NRL.
The Roosters on the other hand are in trouble. Their performances have left a lot to be desired this season and really need to produce something special to beat Parramatta tonight.
Sydney’s forwards are really struggling to punch through the advantage line and this cripples any chances the Roosters have of mounting any attacking plays.
In their last two defeats against Manly and Canterbury, the Roosters lost the battle for territory and possession convincingly and need to start playing with the form that led them to last year’s premiership.
While the Roosters certainly have the names to beat the Eels, Parramatta at the moment have all the momentum and a big home crowd should see them secure their third straight win.
Eels by 8.
moses yura
Guest
thankx ells for wining this game with sydney roosters tonigth...love u all for parcipate in game.
WestieRBB
Guest
Flicking between my two beloved teams the eels and wanderers... came close to needing to change my undies 8 times! Cracking night!!!
Muzz
Guest
Well played Eels,spirited performance. Hayne IMO is top 3 in the world.Interesting how some were carrying on about the draw with Roosters V Eels twice in 6 weeks and now the Eels are 2nd on the ladder. Chooks aren't too far away from form,they are defending well but just can't find last years rhythm in attack.IMO should click into gear round 8. Would like to see Boydie come off the bench in a more impact role with Orbo in the starting line up.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Wow Parra! Showing the poison dwarf Ricky that you are a footy side with ticker.
Nev
Roar Rookie
Well done the mighty eels. A hard fought game and they played for the full 80 minutes. They are definitely top 8 standard this year. Great win and good to see parra show some ticker. A good team that win continue to surprise many more teams this year.
Jack
Guest
Go the roostaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrs
TheTruth
Guest
Heart racing stuff. Good win for the eels, considering the pounding the chooks gave us a couple of weeks ago. Gritty at the end. In previous years, we lose those ones
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
Roosters back to the bottom 8... There natural habitat. Well done parra
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
Brilliant! Well done parramatta. I think Laurie daley has some thinking to do.
Alan
Roar Guru
Congratulations to the Eels. They have won their third straight match here and are well on course to returning to the big time. The Roosters on the other hand just can't find their best form at the moment. They are really struggling to fire in attack this year and Robinson is starting to feel the pressure perhaps. Eels have been superb thus far this year and their defence very strong. Watch out for Parramatta. Early days but confidence sky high! Thanks for your company tonight and join us for more NRL on The Roar Eels 14 Roosters 12
John
Guest
Wow! Rise of the eels?
Alan
Roar Guru
30 seconds left! Roosters with possession! Sydney need a QLD miracle try. Tuivasa-Sheck keeps possession alive. Six to go for the Roosters. Tupou kicks the footy ahead. Knock on. Game over! FULLTIME Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Eels with their third straight win here I think. Roosters kept scoreless for the third second half in a row! Trouble at Bondi early in the season. Parramatta the real deal by the looks of it. Sandow finds touch now Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
Roosters run on the last but the Eels too good in defence. They have this sealed here. Roosters just can't turn the corner this season. Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
Williams may have scored but hard to give this. Hayne and Mannah in particular strong in defence. NO TRY ROOSTERS Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
Video referee decision coming up now.... Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Roosters producing attacking plays that are off the cuff really. Not too much structure to speak of. Kenny-Dowall with a poor kick straight to Hayne. Time running out. Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Eels holding on to this narrow lead. This would be a huge win given what they went through in round 2 against the Roosters. Sandow with a kick and Tupou gathers possession very well Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Roosters with possession. Williams kept quite yet again tonight. Cordner well tackled. Maloney with a flat ball to Jennings. Roosters attack now. Maloney goes high and Kenny-Dowall knocks on. Eels 14 Roosters 12
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Roosters just can't buy a point in the second half of matches thus far. Maloney goes high and Hayne gathers possession too easily Eels 14 Roosters 12