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5 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Pirtek Stadium - Friday 7:35pm
Unfortunately for all Rugby League fans, the Parramatta side is coming into this game with a handful of injuries, and a lack of form. Looking ahead at the draw in round 1, this game looked set to be a mouthwatering clash. Instead, I think a hammering from the Rabbitohs may be in store.
The Rabbitohs have looked unstoppable so far this season, carrying on from their late season form in 2014, and throughout the World Club Series and Auckland 9s. In fact, it has been over 200 days since the South Sydney side have dropped a game in any form. As we know though, they'll need to lose sometime - and perhaps the Eels can put on an upset this week.
The Eels have named an unchanged lineup from the one that was soundly beaten by the Warriors last weekend, although that may in part be due to a lack of options in the backline.
For the Rabbitohs, Dylan Walker has been sidelined for a month with a hand injury sustained last week against the Tigers. His place has been taken by former Bulldog Darryl Millard, with Nathan Brown added to an extended bench. Tim Grant has been named at lock, however there are rumours of a late reshuffle to the forward pack.
The Rabbitohs loss of Dylan Walker will be a big one, as he was impressive last weekend, but there is so much talent across the park the Bunnies shouldn't feel too much of a hit. Greg Inglis has been in some of the best form of his career, and it'll take some miraculous defense to stop him from having his way with the Eels this week.
Last meeting: Round 19 2014 - Parramatta Eels 12 South Sydney Rabbitohs 32
Who to watch: There are matchups all over the park this week. The proven performer Greg Inglis up against the young gun Will Hopoate. The forward packs as a whole (including Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough), and of course the matchups in the outside backs.
That said, it's the battle of the halves we're most anticipating. Chris Sandow left the South Sydney Rabbitohs to head to the Eels, as did Nathan Peats, so it's a homecoming of sorts for those two men. Both have been in good form so far this year, but they'll be up against some of rising star Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds and Isaac Luke, so their task is not small. Corey Norman has been brilliant this year as well, so there should be fireworks!
The favourite: South Sydney will start as heavy favourites on the back of their performances so far in 2015. Most bookies have the Rabbitohs at a handicap of at least 12.5+, so it's obvious which way they think things will go.
My tip: The Rabbitohs will be much too strong for the Parramatta side, and as much as I hate to say it I can foresee a blowout. Rabbitohs by 13+.
1. William Hopoate 2. John Folau 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
1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Daryl Millard 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Joel Reddy 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Chris McQueen 13. Tim Grant
14. Cameron McInnes 15. Jason Clark 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Ben Lowe 19. Nathan Brown
Referees: Ben Cummins, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;