Eels v Dragons preview

Parramatta Eels v St. George Illawarra Dragons
Pirtek Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

Two teams at either end of the spectrum battle it out in Western Sydney.

After pulling off a last-ditch victory over the Storm a fortnight ago, Parramatta have suffered a number of setbacks leading into Saturday nights game. With regular fullback Reece Robinson out with a fractured cheekbone along with first-choice hooker Nathan Peats with a knee injury, the Eels have been forced to make adjustments. After starring in the halves all year, Corey Norman will shift to fullback allowing Luke Kelly to partner Chris Sandow, while former Titans second rower Cody Nelson will make his debut at hooker. Star recruit Anthony Watmough has also failed to recover after sustaining a shoulder complaint against Melbourne, providing Danny Wicks with another chance to impress in his comeback season. The Eels have managed to win the past two encounters with the Dragons at Pirtek Stadium and will be out to put aside the Kieran Foran contract distractions with a big performance in front of their home fans.

Backing up from an intense Monday night clash, the Dragons will be looking to build upon their effort with a win against the embattled Eels. Coach Paul McGregor has retained the same squad that went down 19-14 against the Roosters, however regular hooker Mitch Rein will be absent after accepting a dangerous throw charge. Heath L'Estrange will come off the bench to start with a replacement yet to be announced. While Parramatta have triumphed over the Dragons in the past two clashes, the merged venture have experienced tremendous success dating back to 2010, coming away with points on seven occasions (6 wins, 1 draw).

Last Meeting: Round 10, 2014 - Parramatta Eels 36 v St. George Illawarra Dragons 0

Who to watch: Having been forced out of the Eels top squad due to salary cap restraints, Luke Kelly has been given a reprieve due to the clubs injury crisis. Having been preferred at halfback by coach Brad Arthur earlier in the season, Kelly will be looking to cement a place in the halves for Parramatta with a big performance. With doubts starting to arise surrounding Kieran Foran's move from Manly next year, Kelly will be keen to show off his ball-playing ability to remain with the Blue and Gold's or attract the interest of rival clubs.

After penning a two-year extension just this week, former Knight Peter Mata'utia will be out to step away from the shadow of his younger brother. Since leaving Newcastle last season, Mata'utia has developed into a star talent for the Dragons, overtaking established first graders Dylan Farrell and Dane Nielsen as the premier centre for the team with the Big Red V. Equal leading try-scorer for the Dragons this season, the Samoan international will face off against Will Hopoate in a duel that will play a vital role in determining the outcome of Saturday's match.

The favourite: Despite going down and with a short turnaround from the Rooster's clash, the Dragons are expected to bounce back against the languishing Eels.

My tip: Even in defeat the Dragons produced a performance that would have yielded a win against most other sides in the NRL. Against Parramatta the visitors should prove too much. Dragons by 12.

1. Corey Norman 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Luke Kelly 7. Chris Sandow 22. Junior Paulo 9. Cody Nelson 10. Tim Mannah 11. David Gower 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Danny Wicks
Interchange: 14. Darcy Lussick 15. Pauli Pauli 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Joseph Paulo

1. Josh Dugan 2. Dylan Farrell 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Will Matthews 13. Ben Creagh
Interchange: 14. Jake Marketo 15. Trent Merrin 16. Jack de Belin 17. Heath L'Estrange

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Luke Phillips;

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