We might only be in Round 6, but it’s already desperation stakes for the Parramatta Eels as they try to register their first win of the season when they travel to the nation’s capital to face a Canberra Raiders outfit looking to build momentum. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:30pm(AEST).
The Raiders didn’t start the season well either, truth be told. They sat zero and four from the first four weeks of the season, wondering where on earth their first victory was going to come from.
They made a big turnaround last week though, getting the better of the Canterbury Bulldogs at home.
After Ricky Stuart had blown his team to shreds in the press conference the week prior after a tough loss to the Manly Sea Eagles, the Raiders showed a renewed energy, willingness and desire in defence. It translated into a better offensive effort, and the end result of a 26-10 win on Thursday was hardly a surprise.
Playing so early in the week also means they have had a ten-day turnaround, where as the Eels will be off six.
Parramatta have made a disastrous start to their season, losing all five games and not looking all that close to playing well in any of them.
The lowest point of their run was a drubbing at the hands of Manly during Round 3, but they haven’t played good footy before or after it.
Things won’t get any easier this week either with Nathan Brown being ruled out. While Clint Gutherson makes his return to the side, he will be playing in a team with no confidence, and as it is, he will take a little bit of time to find his feet after a long stint on the sidelines.
On paper, the Eels are a much better team than what they have shown so far, but it’s hard to know where the improvements are coming from at the moment for Brad Arthur’s men.
Prediction
The Raiders are at home and were much-improved last week. Without Brown, their forward pack is going to have a major advantage and should get the job done here as the Eels slump to six straight losses to start 2018.
Raiders by 6.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this match from 7:30pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Preview written by Scott Pryde.
Bobby Farrin
Guest
Parra will turn it around and make the 8 and the Raiders will implode and miss the 8 again
Ben
Guest
He runs through the line and the defender starts to tackle him.
Paul
Guest
Geez, the Eels have scored 6 points or less in four out of six so far. Two tryless games and two others with only one try. Putrid attack and poor defence, really not a great combination!
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Another penalty fest, but July 2013 was the last time we forced a shut-out (trywise), so I will take that.
jimmmy
Guest
Raiders very deserving of that win, Ran harder, played smarter. Just wanted it more. Gee I like Croker. Genuine effort man.
Sebastian
Roar Guru
Full Time 80' - The Raiders record back to back wins and continue their rise up the table after completely outclassing the Eels who continue to struggle and now drop to 0-6 to start the year. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
78' - Parramatta are just unable to click their attack into gear as they look like they will go try-less for the second time this year. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
74' - Raiders hold on with 12 men as they defend well against the Parramatta pressure on their goal line. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
73' - The Eels force a line drop out after a grubber kick from Norman traps the Raiders in goal. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
jimmmy
Guest
You just can’t run into the outside shoulder of a defender . I totally agree with the bunker. It’s not NFL.
Ben
Guest
Cannot believe they called that an obstruction. Didn't he initiate the contact?
Sebastian
Roar Guru
70' - The Eels denied a try due to obstruction. Nothing is going their way. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
Sin Bin 69' - Bateman sin-biined for the Raiders after succession of penalties. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
68' - The Raiders nearly in again but Tapine is held up over the line after Leilua uses his strength to get an offload away. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
jimmmy
Guest
Can’t wait for the Cows to play the Eels in Darwin . We are at least a chance .
Sebastian
Roar Guru
66' - Alvaro returns to the field for Parramatta to make the contest 13 on 13 again Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
64' - Parramatta at least showing some heart with 12 men as they continue to fight and trying to create opportunities. Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
59' - Austin nearly skips over for his second of the night but is stripped one on one. The Raiders though force another goal line drop out Canberra Raiders : 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Sebastian
Roar Guru
Sin Bin 55' - Alvaro is sin-binned for the Eels after repeated penalties given away by the Eels. Canberra Raiders: 18 Parramatta Eels: 2
Beavis
Guest
There has been a blitz on offside in the 10 metres out from goal and Parramaatta are all offside after saving a Leuliia near try Eels form a ruck around Raiders dummy half as they desperately defend BUT NO PENALTY perhaps because there would have to be a sin bin. Thats the worst case of attempting to even up a Game I have seen this year. Cecchin - State of Origin certainty