Parramatta Eels
0
Match Complete
South Sydney Rabbitohs
26
| 70 |  | L. Mitchell | ||
| 69 |  | C. Walker | ||
| 56 | | L. Mitchell | ||
| 55 | | A. Johnston | ||
| 26 | | A. Johnston | ||
| 12 | | I. Thompson | ||
| 5 | | L. Mitchell | ||
| 4 | | C. Walker |
| 0 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 22 of the NRL Premiership continues tonight when the Parramatta Eels host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:55pm (AEST).
There’s still four rounds left in the regular season but we get a semi-final preview tonight. Both sides are in form, both are on the cusp of the top four and a win here tonight could be season-defining.
For the loser, though, time is running out and those top-four aspirations will start to fall away.
Much was made of Mitchell Moses’ injury and the impact it would have on the remainder of the regular season for the Eels. However, Dylan Brown stepped up in his absence against the Sea Eagles, starring in a 36-20 win.
Parramatta’s game plan is pretty simple. Their big pack of forwards need to get on top, freeing time for their talented spine. At their best, they can beat anyone. However, they don’t always bring their best.
Just one change for the Eels, with Ofahiki Ogden coming onto the bench for Makahesi Makatoa. Bailey Simonsson returns from injury in the reserves and may get a late call up.
With the exception of the golden point loss to Cronulla, the Rabbitohs have won five of their last six games. At their last start, they dismantled the Warriors 48-10. They seem to be building momentum at exactly the right time.
A large reason for the Rabbitohs late season resurgence has been the return of Latrell Mitchell. Mitchell may not touch the ball as much as a James Tedesco, but his impact is just as significant.
He is one of a select few players who can change the game on his own.
Hame Sele returns from injury and replaces Daniel Suluka-Fifita. Thomas Burgess has served his suspension but will miss the game with a groin injury.
Prediction
With the Eels, you do get a sense that they will drop a game soon.
The Rabbitohs are one win behind the Eels and a loss tonight would end any notion of a top 4 finish.
They will be more desperate and that will prove enough.
Rabbitohs by 2.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:55pm (AEST)
Venue: Commbank Stadium, Parramatta
TV/Stream: Nine, Fox League, Kayo Sports
Odds: Eels $2.50; Rabbitohs $1.53 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore
Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Siliva Havili 17. Davvy Moale
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
We are all wondering why the Eels performed so poorly but Souths just didn't let them into the game - their defence was immense. They seemed to be anticipating every move the Eels made. Almost a perfect game from them. The Storm did it to the Panthers on Thursday and the Panthers did it to the Raiders last week. When sides turn up defensively like that it makes the opposition look pretty ordinary.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Totally agree.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I can see them going 3-0.., they’re getting better as the finals loom.. unlike the Eels who lack any desire in September
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Catch and fall? Have a look as AJ's highlights reel pal. AJ is a brilliant finisher and has also scored a significant number of tries at long to mid range. Have a look at his FIVE TRY haul in Souths 60-8 win over the Roosters a few years back. He had to do more than just fall over the line for 4 of those. Granted, 1 was a gift.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Paulo should be Souths right winger and Graham should be back next week to play left centre. Tom Burgess will be back as well. Game on! P.S. Souths should give Hawkins another crack over Ilias.
Shed Bloke
Roar Rookie
Another excellent call David. We mere mortals thank you.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes, I thought that the Eels would have put a better performance, yes they had Mosses out who's a big out but I don't think that he would have made much of a difference. The test starts in the next 3 games as the Panthers are a very fit side (as they showed last night) and the Bunnies I don't think that they are to put the pressure that the Storm put on them. Let's see next Thursday nigh, I've got faith as Trell is a massive in and we didn't have him last year as we would have won the GF for sure.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Tough, tough, tough few games. None of those teams are the eels.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Hi steveng. Agreed about ‘gauge’. That eels game tonight is no top four. That could have been a 50 point scored game how eels players were going, incompetent at times. But you get that win and keep on truckin.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Thanks David for the call, great as usual!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks very much for joining the blog. I will be back tomorrow night for the Broncos and Knights
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Rabbitohs take on a weakened Panthers outfit next Thursday night in a game they will be favoured to win. Souths have the Cowboys and Roosters in the last fortnight of the regular season.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Totally. Multiple personality. Parts of that game looked like one of those old World Cup games with a country most players have played only a handful of practice games, clueless with what to do. Surely Arthur is scratching his head.
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Eels brought their B game tonight. Their pack was well beaten by South Sydney and Brown and Arthur had few chances. They take on the Bulldogs next Saturday afternoon in a game they must win
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
The hoodoo continues. Souths bombed as many chances as the Eels. Keeping the Eels to ZERO was a bonus especially at this time of year. It makes a difference when Cody Walker turns up. Hawkins looked easily better than Ilias although I would have been keen to see Taaffe at HB. The tough run home for Souths might be the very thing that will ignite their form for the finals. Tom Burgess and Campbell Graham should be back next week. Give Ilias another week off and see if Hawkins improves. Commiserations Eels fans (especially mighty if you are out there). Bring on the Panthers next week.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Yeah. Disgraceful by us. Parra had no mongrel in them at all. Good defence by Souths, but still. Parra could have crossed for three tries for sure on my viewing, but just no execution.
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Rabbitohs were far too good tonight. The Eels came out of the blocks fast in the second half but didn't really threaten the Rabbitohs line. Once Souths got half a chance, Johnston scored and the game was done
steveng
Roar Rookie
Great win by the Bunnies but this is no gauge of what's to come in the next game, we definitely have the wood on this Prra side but not the tea mms coming up, the test is just starting Go You Bunnies :thumbup: Great WIN
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Yeah, not letting the other team even get a halfa…d try is rating switched on.
David Holden
Roar Guru
FULL TIME RABBITOHS DEFEAT EELS 26-0