Warriors v Eels preview

Warriors v Parramatta Eels
Mt Smart Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

It was a fall from grace for Parramatta in round 2, after a promising performance in round 1. They came up against a big, skilful Bulldogs side, and stuck with them until the Eels started having players drop like flies due to injury.

The Warriors, who are notoriously poor travellers, visited Canberra to take on the Raiders. Against all expectations, they came away with a win, thanks to some rigid defence. Their performance was far from tidy though, as they came away second best on a number of key stats. Their speed getting off the ruck needs to improve or they'll be pinged for it all season.

The Eels while be delving into their depths to string together a backline this week. Beau Champion is out with a knee injury, as is cult hero Semi Radradra. Their positions in the side will be taken by Vai Toutai and Ryan Morgan. Also in doubt is Chris Sandow, after flaring up his ankle injury sustained in the Auckland NRL Nines. Impactful Tepai Moeroa's shoulder is an issue as well - he was visibly uncomfortable in round 2 against the Bulldogs.

The Warriors have some injury concerns of their own, although have named an unchanged side from their successful round 2 team v the Raiders. Shaun Johnson (arm) and Sam Tomkins (leg) are both in doubt.

As far as milestones are concerned, Ben Henry will play his 50th NRL game, while Nathan Friend lines up for his 200th.

Last meeting: Round 18 2014 - New Zealand Warriors 48 Parramatta Eels 0

Who to watch: The battle of the backline will be where it's at in this game. The Eels will obviously be hurt by losing attacking weapon Radradra and the defence of Champion, but they'll need to forget about that and work together against the much bigger Warriors outside men. Manu Vatuvei will need to be shut down quickly - if he gets a head of steam up it'll be a nightmare for the Eels.

That said, the Eels aren't completely without hope. Chris Sandow and Corey Norman are a formidable halves pairing when they are on-song, and with Shaun Johnson well below his best, it could be a battle of the halves that decides this one.

The favourite: The Eels' injury woes in the backline have them start this game as massive outsiders. Most of the money has been sent the way of the Warriors at home.

My tip: It's hard to go past the Warriors in this one. Back at home, in front of their very own passionate fans, and on the back of a good win in Canberra last week , they should be too strong for the injury riddled Eels. Warriors by 10.

1. Sam Tomkins 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Tuimoala Lolohea 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Thomas Leuluai 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
14. Nathan Friend 15. Ben Henry 16. Sam Lisone 17. Albert Vete 18. Matthew Allwood

1. William Hopoate 2. Vai Toutai 3. Ryan Morgan 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Reece Robinson 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough
14. Isaac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower

Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: David Ryan, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Steve Folkes;

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