Eels v Panthers preview

Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers
TIO Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

Local derby heats up with a foreign flavour.

When the schedule was set for this season back in December last year, much of the talk was around this well-anticipated local derby clash being moved away from Pirtek Stadium to the warmer climes of Darwin. With the Panthers predicted to heavily feature in the finals equation and Parramatta certainly expected to improve as Brad Arthur's reign took hold, the relocation of this clash was an outrage - a local derby being played as far away as possible.

Fast forward to 36 hours before kickoff and we find ourselves not really fussed about where this one is being played - a hotly contested derby at Pepper Stadium in Round 12 already a distant memory as both these sides fight to stop themselves from sinking to the bottom of the table. To be fair - both sides have suffered greatly off-field this season, particularly in the injury ward.

Last meeting: Round 12 2015 - Penrith Panthers 20 Parramatta Eels 26

Who to watch: Parramatta will look to welcome back Corey Norman to the halves - and boy do they need him. With Joseph Paulo providing a stop-gap solution and Chris Sandow long gone, the Eels will be desperate to have Norman help control the middle of the ruck. Out wide Will Hopoate and Brad Takairangi both return to give some potency to their edge attack and defence as well.

Despite Penrith's sordid season in the casualty ward, Bryce Cartwright has been a shining light for the mountain men. Flashes of individual brilliance at various points of the season from Cartwright have either kept the Panthers in contests, or even won games for them. Cleary's men will need him to turn on the flair in the Top End to ensure Penrith keep away from the dreaded spoon.

The favourite: Penrith go into this one heavy favourites - the Eels are friendless after a run of poor performances.

Our tip: It's hard to see Parramatta getting up for this one. Despite their difficulties with injuries, the Panthers are still showing plenty more heart and that will be enough to get them the chocolates in the Darwin heat. Panthers by 8.

1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Corey Norman 7. Luke Kelly 8. Junior Paulo 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. David Gower
Interchange: 14. Pauli Pauli 15. Darcy Lussick 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Isaac De Gois 18. Joseph Paulo

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Lewis Brown 4. Isaah Yeo 5. Waqa Blake 6. Isaac John 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Sika Manu 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Leilani Latu 17. Apisai Koroisau

Referees: Adam Devcich, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Steve Folkes;

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