Eels v Sharks preview

Parramatta Eels v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Pirtek Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

Sharkies chase top 4 berth while Eels desperately seek positive end to wretched campaign.

The hard working area of Western Sydney becomes our destination for what should be a very interesting clash between Parramatta and Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. Both sides have had very contrasting seasons. The Eels starting the season off with a bang by destroying rivals Manly in Round 1 before falling away badly to currently be placed in 11th position after 24 rounds. Poor form and a string of injuries and disruption has not only haunted Parramatta's play in previous seasons but also in this season where more was expected of the Blue and Gold's. The Chris Sandow saga is finally behind them and they have seemed to played in a more relaxed mood and thrown off the shackles in recent weeks. Last weeks 20-16 upset of Manly would have been a highlight of their season and certainly inspired confidence within the Parramatta camp. It will be very interesting to see if they can keep this momentum going and upset a very strong Cronulla side who have been the surprise packets in the 2nd half of the competition this year.

Parramatta welcome back inspirational captain Tim Mannah at Prop, this sees Darcy Lussick drop to the bench and Joseph Paulo drop out of the squad all together.

Cronulla marched back into top 4 contention in resounding fashion last week against the Wests Tigers, courtesy of a 40-18 thumping. The Sharks who have struggled to score points in 2015 (averaging just 19 points a game) put together a masterclass of attacking footy led by the likes of boom youngster Valentine Holmes, experienced hooker and leader Michael Ennis and another strong game from Rookie of the year candidate Jack Bird. After losing in disastrous fashion the week before against the Storm, the Sharks got back to what works for them best: Punching the ball up the middle of the field and relying on their forward pack to grind through the opposition. Something else of Note is Cronulla's 7-4 away record which is the 2nd best in the competition behind only North Queensland. They won't be afraid to throw the kitchen sink at Parramatta and they will have the Sharkies faithful cheering them on. The Sharks aren't afraid to play away from home and are happy to chance their arm away from the Shire in the quest to get the 2 points.

With other results going their way the Sharks are now a distinct possibility to make the top 4 for the first time since 2002. Currently tied on 30 points with 4th placed Souths, the Shire based club would love nothing more than 2 bites at the cherry in their quest for that elusive Premiership. The Sharks are unchanged from the side that lined up last week against the Tigers.

Last meeting: Round 21 2014 - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 12 Parramatta Eels 32

Parramatta have a lovely recent record against the Sharks with 4 wins out of the past 5. Sharks fans will still be having nightmares of watching Cronulla capitualting at Parramatta Stadium with their shattering 74-4 loss back in 2003. With that put aside however and the Sharks have a decent record at Parramatta Stadium with 15 wins and 12 losses from 27 clashes. However, Cronulla haven't won at Parramatta Stadium since 2010. In 80 games between the clubs the Sharks hold the ledger 41-39.

Who to watch: Parramatta will want this win so badly, especially to appease their loyal fans who have been incredibly faithful and patient throughout the season. They will need a very good game from Semi Radradra. The "semi trailer" has been a cult hero since coming to Parramatta in 2013. His ability to sniff out a try from anywhere and his deadly finishing is a joy to watch. He is also well known for trampling fellow defenders and leaving a wake of bodies in his footsteps. He has 21 tries in just 16 games this year. Add to this 5 try assists and a phenomenal 23 line breaks and you have one of the best wingers in the NRL. If Parra can get him the ball in space, Radradra will no doubt add to his magnificent tally at Parramatta Stadium and could lead Parra to another victory at home.

For the Sharks keep a close eye on Luke Lewis. The veteran back rower has had a very strong year having forfeited rep football. This has benefited his game ten fold and Sharks fans are benefiting from it big time. His edge running and ability to hold off defenders and offload the ball creates opportunities for the players around him. Lewis's durability and versatility is often spoke about at length but what fans and media alike don't mention is his immense strength. Even for a player in the back end of his career he is very powerful. Look for his strong fend on Saturday afternoon and his link up play with Wade Graham. They are often on the same side of the field and have built up a solid combination. He has also built a great on field rapport with Jack Bird and the young half is no doubt delighted to have him to throw the ball to week in and week out.

The favourite: Sharks deserved favourites here due to their form of late.

My tip: Cronulla to win this one in what will be a tight and tense battle. Sharkies just have a bit more to play for and I fear that the Eels are looking to mad Monday. Look for Semi Radradra to be 1st try scorer though! Sharks by 4.

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

1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Chris Heighington 9. Michael Ennis 10. Sam Tagataese 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Matt Prior 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Tinirau Arona 17. Jayson Bukuya

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Phillips;

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