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Parramatta centre Jarryd Hayne featured in a game-tilting run against his former club as the Eels improved their chances of avoiding a third NRL wooden spoon in seven years with a 28-12 win over Gold Coast.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Parramatta Eels 28
Gold Coast Titans 12
Will Jarryd Hayne and the Parramatta Eels push away from the bottom of the ladder or will Hayne’s former club, the Gold Coast Titans, claim back-to-back wins? Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 5:30pm (AEST).
While Parramatta fans will want to forget 2018, they certainly can’t knock their side’s efforts in recent weeks.
Coming up against the second-placed Rabbitohs, Brad Arthur’s men raced away for an early 20-6 lead. While they couldn’t hold on in the end, it was a promising sign as the club looks to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
In fact, the Eels have rarely been on the end of a hiding, with just four of their 15 losses this year coming by more than ten points.
In spite of this, they are still dead last on the competition ladder – although a win this week would likely see them draw level with the Sea Eagles, Cowboys and Bulldogs, given they face the Sharks, Roosters and Broncos respectively in Round 21.
Arthur has made plenty of forced changes this week, the most significant being Reed Mahoney replacing Kaysa Pritchard (shoulder) at hooker, with Jaemon Salmon set to make his debut as the bench utility.
Daniel Alvaro (knee) is also a withdrawal, with Tim Mannah starting at prop and Kane Evans recalled on the bench. Meanwhile, winger George Jennings is back, allowing Hayne to shift to the centres.
The Titans look to be safe from claiming the league’s unwanted prize, after demolishing the Warriors 36-12 last week – and with the same side named to line up here.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak and should provide the Gold Coast with plenty of confidence as they look to restore pride with a finals spot out of reach.
A victory against Parra isn’t unrealistic either, given they have won seven of their past nine against the club.
Prediction
The Eels have been performing admirably in recent weeks but it still isn’t enough to warrant them being favourites here. Garth Brennan’s men will record a strong win off the back of their superior forward pack.
Titans by 10.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 5:30pm (AEST).
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