Parramatta Eels
40
Match Complete
Wests Tigers
12
| M. Moses |  | 80 | ||
| M. Moses |  | 69 | ||
| C. Gutherson |  | 68 | ||
| 62 | | L. Brooks | ||
| 61 | | J. Roberts | ||
| M. Moses | | 50 | ||
| M. Sivo | | 49 | ||
| M. Moses | | 48 | ||
| M. Moses | | 47 | ||
| M. Moses | | 46 | ||
| W. Blake | | 45 | ||
| 37 | | A. Doueihi | ||
| 36 | | J. Liddle | ||
| M. Moses | | 32 | ||
| J. Lussick | | 30 | ||
| M. Moses | | 17 | ||
| M. Moses | | 14 | ||
| C. Gutherson | | 12 |
| 6 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 6 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Parramatta Eels return to their fortress at Bankwest Stadium to host the improving Wests Tigers in the second of three Sunday NRL matches. Join us here at The Roar for live scores and commentary this afternoon from 4pm (AEST).
The Eels got their grove back last week, albeit against a Knights side that barely fired a shot. It will be a sterner test this week against a Tigers outfit that scored a morale-boosting win over the Origin-affected Panthers. While the ladder-leaders had a number of key outs, it was the Tigers’ attitude and application in defence that was eye-catching; if they can turn up with that will to win once again, the Eels may be in some trouble.
The scheduling of this one means that Junior Paulo and Joe Ofahengaue are likely to back up for their respective clubs after Origin 1. The Eels lose Reed Mahoney, though, with Joey Lussick into the side. Haze Dunster did enough last week on the wing to maintain his spot and keep Blake Ferguson in reserve grade. The Tigers lose Thomas Mikaele and have Moses Mbye in some doubt as well.
It drew some criticism at the time, but Michael Maguire shifting Adam Doueihi to the centres has worked for the Tigers thus far. They have won three of four games since the shift, with a four-point loss to the Warriors the only blemish in that time. It has seen Moses Mbye get more involved, Luke Brooks take on greater responsibility and their defence improve. Everyone seems to know their role a bit better, and while it may not be Doueihi’s best spot, it is best for the team.
The Eels looked far more complete with Dylan Brown back last week. He provides an extra option and seems to make Mitchell Moses more relaxed. Clint Gutherson was also back to his busy self last week; maybe because he felt like he didn’t have to do everything. The loss of Reed Mahoney is a big blow, however. He provided some great touches and kicks out of dummy-half last week, and the Tigers will look to exploit that deficiency around the ruck without an established hooker to replace him.
The Eels have enjoyed a healthy run of form over the Tigers in recent times, winning the last six clashes between the two, including all four at Bankwest Stadium. Brad Arthur’s men have a better winning percentage against the Tigers than any other team. These two have already played this year on Easter Monday, the Eels getting away to a 36-22 win.
Prediction:
The Tigers would have gotten all sorts of confidence out of beating the Panthers. Regardless of who was in the team, it was a real boon for their mentality and teamwork, as they always looked the better side. The Eels got back to winning the games they are expected to, but questions still hover around them in terms of being a genuine top 4 side, and they will want to make it back-to-back wins this week.
The Tigers can trouble the Eels, and they can certainly score some points. While the scoreline could suggest otherwise, the Tigers were well in the game between these two earlier in the year, and even led at different stages. I think the Tigers will ride the emotion and confidence of last week into a third straight win, and leave the Eels searching for answers.
Tigers by 7
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary this afternoon from 4pm (AEST).
Game information
Kick-off: 4:05pm (AEST)
Venue: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
TV: Fox League, Channel Nine (NSW/QLD/ACT/NT), 9Gem (VIC/WA/SA/TAS)
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go, 9Now
Odds: Eels $1.25, Tigers $4 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Eels
1. Clint Gutherson (c), 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Haze Dunster, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown
Bench/Reserves: 14. Marata Niukore, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Bryce Cartwright | 18. Will Smith, 19. Blake Ferguson, 20. Jakob Arthur, 21. Nathaniel Roache
Tigers
1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Adam Doueihi, 4. Tommy Talau, 5. James Roberts, 6. Moses Mbye 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou (c), 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue
Bench/Reserves: 14. Stefano Utoikamanu, 15. Shawn Blore, 16. Tom Amone, 17. Alex Seyfarth | 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Billy Walters, 20. Kelma Tuilagi, 21. Jake Simpkin
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
I think you're onto something, but it's not just the Eels.
Short Memory
Guest
But he's blessed with average speed.
Greg
Roar Pro
Hi all. I would like someone to confirm or deny my suspisions of a 'dirty' tactic that is growing within the game. It is the man playing the ball takes out a marker, then the team runs back behind the ruck on the next play. Typically, they then win the collision this play as the defence collapses in to cover for the absent marker, resulting in a quick play the ball or a 6 again. Like with all dirty tactics i believe all teams do it, but one (in this case the eels) does it better than the rest. I raise this now because i believe this is what gave eels their first half dominance. Now, dont get me wrong. Tigers were completely outplayed by a better team and the game was refereed fairly in that the couple times tigers did similar they too benefited from it. But, I also dont think they were ever given a fair chance to be in the game when the ruck is only policed on one side (that side being the defending team). I cant say how this played out in the second half as i switched off knowing the blowout was inevitable after the onesided first half. Anyways, Yes it is a dirty tactic that the eels have mastered? (I feel ive noticed in several other games of theirs) Or, No it just appears that way with players inevitability niggling each other at every opportunity and the 6 again that often follows is coincidental?
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Hi Geoff from. To me parra, south’s and easts are all abit inconsistent in different ways. Depending who turns up and what they can all win, or lose to most. Can you really take much from their positions or even their for/against comparing each of them?
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
They did lose to the Dragons. I hope I live long enough for the Dragons to beat the Storm.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
Thanks mate. Yeah I’d say about the same. The Tigers did well in the first half but very poor in the second. Didn’t get much help with a few HIA’s and the rub of the green but they are better than what they dished up today
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
The Eels have run out comfortable winners at Bankwest Stadium tonight over the Wests Tigers winning 40-12. They had plenty of possession and territory in the first half but could only manage a 14-6 lead at halftime with the Tigers hanging onto the game. The Eels though would take complete control with a blistering ten minutes after halftime scoring three tries in three sets. First it was Waqa Blake scoring off a towering Mitch Moses kick, Daine Laurie unable to clean up and spilling it. Then from the restart it was a 65 metre run by Moses, dummying in his own half, to get into the back field then again to race away and score in the corner. Again from the restart, Moses would burst into the back field, this time in the Tigers half, providing for Maika Sivo to dot down. The Tigers would peg back some respectability with James Roberts crossing after the hour mark. But the final say would belong to "King Gutho" who would score in the 69th minute. Mitch Moses added a penalty goal on the siren to make it 40-12. It was a disappointing night for the Tigers who had such a good attitude against the Panthers last week and restricted them to six. They were well in the game at half time and let a five minute period cripple them Shaun Blore in the bin. They have had a solid month but still have work to do if they are any chance to make the finals. The Eels, well it was another afternoon at Bankwest that tell us very little. They haven't struggled in the past two seasons to win as they did today. When they have the ascendancy against a weaker side, they can score some points. They did the real damage today when the Tigers had 12 on the field. They got 9 penalites, and 9 ruck infringements, wether or not they were warranted doesn't matter, it is a real leg up. The test for them are to come. They will probably finish top 4, but can do more in the finals is a completely different story. The Tigers got to the Sunshine Coast next week to battle the Storm in another touch assignment and then have South Sydney. They will be long odds to win either of those after today. The Eels host the Bulldogs next week, and boy could that one get ugly. It is just the sort of game the Eels can really run away with. Thankyou for joining me this weekend. There is still one game of the NRL to come this Round with the Dragons and Bulldogs facing off tomorrow afternoon. Bye for now
Rozelle Rudy
Guest
The Tgers need strong defenders not fair weather pretty boys.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Don’t reckon they are that good – over rated for mine I reckon BankWest stadium is worth about 18 points to Parra – the refs just go to water when they go there Don’t see Parra as any threat to the Panthers, Storm, Souths and the Roosters
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Absolute filth from Papalii - some pretty ordinary dirty stuff in that last 10 minutes from both sides
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Not really. Parra belted the hackers and NSW beat the filth.
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
Thanks JA for a great call. Much appreciated.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Thanks for another good call, Jack. I didn't think the Eels were all that good, just that the Tigers were so much worse.
XI
Roar Guru
Well this long weekend has been a complete loss for sport
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
The Eels are good. Can they beat the Drizzle?
80
andrew
Roar Rookie
Accidental or not, there were quite a few head high tackles out there today.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
80' Moses will try and take the 2 to bring up 40. He nails it and that will do us. Eels 40 Tigers 12
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
79' The Eels on the attack now and Sivo takes a run. He earns six more, plenty of those this afternoon. Brown inside the Tigers 20. RCG taking a run and is tipped up and another penalty to the Eels. Eels 38 Tigers 12
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
The Tigers should go for Matt Dufty with the crazy Dragons looking to offload him.