Eels v Cowboys preview

Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys
Pirtek Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

Can a team with four wins upset a side that hasn't lost since Round 3?

After a series of narrow losses, the Eels finally broke through against the Panthers last Friday, holding on for a 26-20 win. With off-contract halfback Chris Sandow producing a solid performance, the Eels delivered a strong kicking game which will need to be replicated if Parramatta are to knock off the high-flying Cowboys. The underrated David Gower comes back into the squad at the expense of Joseph Paulo, in an otherwise unchanged side.

Getting out of jail last week against the last-placed Sea Eagles, the Cowboys will need to be at their best if they are to extend their winning run to 10 matches on the trot. In previous seasons, the North Queenslanders have been unable to win on the road, but with three victories already in Sydney so far in 2015, the Cowboys may well be on their way to a maiden premiership barring any major injuries. Once again, coach Paul Green has stuck with the squad that did the job last week, with Ray Thompson holding off Rory Kostjasyn for a spot on the bench.

Last Meeting: Round 13, 2014: Parramatta Eels 18 North Queensland Cowboys 16

Who to watch: After making a Man of the Match debut for the Brisbane Broncos back in 2010, Corey Norman will bring up a century of games in the NRL on Monday night. Starting out as a fullback, Norman has been outstanding for the Eels at five-eighth and will be looking to take Parramatta to the finals. While lapses throughout matches have cost the Eels dearly in 2015, Norman has been easily their best player with the ball in hand and equally adept in the defensive line. Coming up against Johnathan Thurston on Monday night, Norman will be looking to upstage the premier halfback of the NRL to get the Eels over the line.

With Tariq Sims moving to Newcastle at the end of 2014, many wondered who would fill the void left by the imposing back-rower. Fortunately for Cowboys fans, Ethan Lowe has more than stepped up. Consistently running for over 100 metres per game, along with racking up close to 40 tackles; Lowe has proven to be a devastating edge runner for Johnathan Thurston. Crossing for 3 tries in 12 appearances this year, Lowe will be out to terrorise the Eels on Monday night, as the Cowboys look to secure their 10th consecutive win.

The favourite: With Johnathan Thurston no longer the Cowboys sole threat, North Queensland have been well supported to come away with the win.

My tip: The formline of these two sides may appear to be in complete contrast, but after last Friday's breakthrough, expect the embattled Eels to take it to the Cowboys in a thriller. Eels by 1.

1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Junior Paulo 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. David Gower 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. Danny Wicks 17. Pauli Pauli

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Matthew Wright 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Ray Thompson 15. John Asiata 16. Ben Hannant 17. Sam Hoare 19. Rory Kostjasyn

Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Grant Atkins, Brett Suttor; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Henry Perenara;

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