Eels
24
Match Complete
Rabbitohs
38
| 79 |  | A. Reynolds | ||
| 78 |  | D. Cook | ||
| M. Moses | | 75 | ||
| G. Jennings | | 74 | ||
| 71 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 70 | | J. Paulo | ||
| 63 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 62 | | B. Sironen | ||
| 55 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 54 | | C. Murray | ||
| 47 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 45 | | L. Knight | ||
| M. Moses | | 29 | ||
| C. Gutherson | | 28 | ||
| M. Moses | | 26 | ||
| G. Jennings | | 25 | ||
| M. Moses | | 24 | ||
| C. Gutherson | | 23 | ||
| 18 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 16 | | J. Paulo | ||
| 4 |  | A. Reynolds |
| 4 | Tries | 6 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 6 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The NRL finals continue tonight as the Parramatta Eels host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:50pm (AEDT).
The finals race intensifies a further notch tonight. For the winner, a preliminary final awaits the same time next week against Penrith. For the loser, it will be a case of close, but not close enough.
It’s really hard to get a read on the Eels. After looking like world-beaters early in the season, they have lurched into the semi-finals. Yet, with the probable exception of their wingers, they are just about at full strength this week and could rediscover their best.
Their forward pack boasting the likes of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Junior Paulo and Nathan Brown are on paper, at least, one of the best in the NRL. If they can dominate the middle, Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses should be able to create plenty of chances.
Maika Sivo is out with a knee injury and is replaced by George Jennings. Blake Ferguson is also in serious doubt, with Brad Takairangi his likely replacement in the squad. Waqa Blake could move to the wing. Marata Niukore is suspended with Ray Stone added to the bench.
After their demolition of the Roosters in the final round, the Rabbitohs got an early scare in their elimination final. The Knights got out to an early lead before South Sydney rallied and cruised away to a comfortable win.
Wayne Bennett has got his team playing good football at the right time of year and it is largely due to the improvement in his forward pack. Cameron Murray and Damien Cook are in form whilst Tevita Tatola and Jaydn Su’A are making plenty of metres.
Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds are terrorising both edges on the back of this go forward.
The Rabbitohs go in with the same 17 that defeated the Knights. Jaydn Su’A is listed to start with Liam Knight on the bench, but that may well swap as they did last weekend.
Prediction
Although both teams have exciting backlines, it is the forward battle that will decide this one.
It will be closer than many people think, but I have to go on form here. The Rabbitohs appear to be peaking at the right time
whilst the Eels’ defensive issues have them on a slide.
The Rabbitohs will get home in a tight one.
Rabbitohs by 8.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEDT)
Venue: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
TV: Nine, Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass, 9Now
Odds: Eels $2.85, Rabbitohs $1.45
Teams
Eels
1. Clint Gutherson, 2. George Jennings, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Brad Takairangi, 5. Haze Dunster, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown
Bench/Reserves: 14. Will Smith, 15. Andrew Davey, 16. Kane Evans, 17. Ray Stone, 18. Oregon Kaufusi, 21. Daniel Alvaro
Rabbitohs
1. Corey Allan, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Campbell Graham, 4. Dane Gagai, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Tevita Tavola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Tom Burgess, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Cameron Murray
Bench/Reserves: 14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Liam Knight, 16. Jed Cartwright, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Steven Marsters, 19. Hame Sele
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Steveng, Your mob have gone better than I thought. Penrith and Melbourne deserve to be favourites but I wouldn't be surprised if Souths and Canberra get up. You have Bennett and momentum on your side so you have a good chance.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Pickett, you make your own luck both on the footy field and in life, who said that? Yes the footy gods wee with us but by gee we were right on it, our boys have the mongrel in them and they will go all the way!
Wayne Turner
Guest
I agree,and always thought this when he arrived at the Eels.His ego is bigger than his ability.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Your team was significantly better than most in the comp. They don't have to be premiers to be proud of them.
Gauss
Roar Rookie
When Souths lose, it's unlikely that the reason will be their failure to score points. Far more likely that they'll have conceded too many. Pretty obvious what Brandy meant. Give him a break, he's no great orator. Could play a bit though.
Big Daddy
Guest
Phil, it will be interesting to see who the refs are next weekend. If Cummins doesn't get a gig it will be the same two next weekend. Knowing the NRL ( Bernie Sutton) they'll appoint 2 referees for the grand final. No guessing who it will be.
Big Daddy
Guest
After the weekend's match you would have to question the Roosters decision to lay down against South's. Losing to Melbourne would have them playing South's tonight. They were probably done for the year either way.
Gauss
Roar Rookie
Actually, Souths and Parra have been great. You've been awful.
StuO
Roar Rookie
I hate to heap more pain on the Eels and their supporters, but I can't see them winning a comp with Moses in the halves. He has always had difficulty nailing those clutch moments, which was proven the case yet again.
Trevor Whitton
Roar Rookie
One of the greatest ever gaffs from a commentator - Greg Alexander on Souths: "They'll never lose by not scoring enough points"!?? I suggest to you that they will ALWAYS lose by not scoring enough points. Duh. Gutherson for captain of the year and Sean Lane doesn't get enough credit - terrific edge player (and no, I'm not a Parramatta supporter). Well done Souths. Their coach shows good potential.
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
Thanks DP. Parra fans should be proud of their team given the adversity they faced for tonight’s game.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Same with the chook v Raiders game. It only takes one, or a bounce of the ball at this level.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
Agree mate, a good game manager to compliment the rest of the squads off the cuff skill set. To win tight finals games you need to constrict the opposition, just feel a quality game manager would unlock the eels finals run!
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Cook has really improved the last few weeks. Gutho will get a NSW jersey - well deserved. I think the Rabbitohs are a chance against the Panthers.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Hadn't seen that. Can only assume Hawkins has kicked straight tonight!
Mike Rotch
Guest
Arthur has been Parra coach for 7 seasons. If he hasn't done that by now I wouldn't hold much hope he'll do it in the future. Time for Arthur to go, surely
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
I thought Parra played their best game of their season last week, and would have no way of backing up this week. I'm a Pelican: Parra were great and, until the Souths try off the post rebound, it was anyone's game. Great game and win by the Souths boys. Sutton as Ref was a bum, but he will probably serve as an example for the benefits of robotics and artificial intelligence. Do we love The footy? Damm right we do.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Yep, back next Saturday night
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
I think Junior's eligible for the blues, but I'm a Qlder so better keep that quiet!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining the blog tonight. I will be back next Saturday night for the prelim final between the Panthers and Rabbits. Not 100% sure, but I think it's at ANZ which gives the Rabbits home ground advantage.