A big crowd is expected this afternoon as the Parramatta Eels clash with the Wests Tigers in what should be a very entertaining encounter. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm (AEDT).
This time last season, over 50,000 fans turned up to ANZ Stadium to watch the Tigers beat the Eels. It was a great advertisement for rugby league and proved that the success of these two sides is vital for the NRL to increase crowd numbers.
With the Eels coming off a superb win over the Rabbitohs last week, Parramatta fans should be expected to turn out in force as their team aims to secure its third win of the season.
The Tigers though will prove no pushover. They should have finished off the Bulldogs last week but eventually fell in golden point.
Such a defeat would have dented morale for Jason Taylor’s men but they have a great chance to gain some much-needed confidence in front of a big crowd today.
In Robbie Farah, Luke Brooks and James Tedesco, the Tigers possess three crafty footballers capable of opening up any defence in the competition. If the Eels are complacent, the Tigers will make them pay.
But if the Eels show up ready to play, the Tigers could be set for a long afternoon. Chris Sandow is enjoying his best period in Eels colours, while winger John Folau is well on his way to reaching the illustrious heights of his brother Israel.
A two-try performance against the reigning premiers shows that Folau has what it takes to establish himself as a potential superstar for an Eels side dealing with the loss of Jarryd Hayne.
The Eels pack also deserves plenty of credit for their aggressive play so far this season.
Their performance against a strong South Sydney pack was superb, and if they are allowed to lay a similar platform today, the Tigers will struggle to keep Parramatta out.
Eels by 12.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
too true. Better side won as is often the case.
Blaze
Guest
Of course it was a tough call, as were the three times Robbie ran into off side markers that weren't penalised.... just the way the game is. Some they get, some they miss..
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Well eff me. Thought I was finally going to pick 1.
Alan
Roar Guru
A very scrappy contest is brought to life by Pat Richards as he inspires the Tigers to a 22-6 victory over a shocking Eels outfit. The Tigers piled on the points late in the second half after Richards brought the game to life with a great chip kick that set up Tedasco's four pointer. The Eels were very poor with the football and once again they have real trouble with inconsistency after beating the bunnies several days ago. Not good enough at this level. The Tigers are back with confidence. Eels 6 Tigers 22
Jason Hosken
Guest
Turned out that way. But Eels were 4 down at the time. Eels didnt deserve it but you must agree it was a tough call.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
One of the few I have got correct! Tough year for tipping. Again.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Thanks Alan. Good call mate.
Alan
Roar Guru
And the Tigers make me look like a complete fool in the tipping department. Never tipping the Eels at ANZ again! FULLTIME Eels 6 Tigers 22
Tom G
Guest
Yup... The 16 point loss was all down to that one bit of bad decision.. Not the fact that the Eels looked like a rabble gat can't play away
Alan
Roar Guru
Its the Pat Richards show. Great try-assist for Tedasco and Brooks to go along with a try of his own. CONVERSION MISSED Eels 6 Tigers 22
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY TIGERS Eels 6 Tigers 22
Scott Pryde
Expert
What a finish. Well done to the Tigers.
Alan
Roar Guru
Poor pass. Richards picks up the footy. Kicks ahead and Brooks has scored the easiest of tries. Eels 6 Tigers 18
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Geez the Tigers hate throwing the ball inside, opting for the kick each time. But it's paying off!!
Alan
Roar Guru
Well done to the Tigers. They haven't been much better than the Eels but they produced great quality in attack when it mattered. Eels pathetic with the footy. Eels 6 Tigers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL PENALTY SUCCESSFUL Eels 6 Tigers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
Possible eight point try for the Tigers here. Game over. Tigers win. Eels 6 Tigers 14
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY TIGERS Eels 6 Tigers 14
Jason Hosken
Guest
Nooooooo! Parra dudded...no Choc knock on.
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Tigers still attacking. Eels Simona with a great flick pass to Richards who scores in the corner! Video referee Eels 6 Tigers 10