Reynolds Kicks Cowboys to loss
40 mins ago | Andrew Ferguson
Competition wannabes take on reigning premiers in Western Sydney.
After a false start last week against Brisbane, Parramatta will be hoping the club debut of Kieran Foran results in an upset over North Queensland. While far from embarrassed last Thursday, the Eels will be looking towards Foran and Corey Norman to provide direction and improved last-play options in order to capitalise on their vast attacking arsenal. In the only other change, Danny Wicks comes onto the bench, following an impressive performance for Wentworthville, in place of 18th man Daniel Alvaro. Having blown a 30-6 lead in their last clash at Pirtek Stadium, the Eels will be aiming to make a statement in defence against the Cowboys.
Having survived a scare from Cronulla last week, the Cowboys will be hoping to improve their recent record against the Eels even further. Coming away with six wins from their last seven clashes, including two last season, North Queensland have retained the same Grand Final winning squad once again, headlined by Johnathan Thurston in a move that should see the reigning premiers hard to beat. Having piled on over 80 points in their clashes with Parramatta in 2015, the visitors will have no shortage of attacking options as well as the defence to ensure the Eels are hard-pressed for points.
Last meeting: Round 20 2015 - Cowboys 46 Eels 4
Who to watch: Starting his career as a backrower, Brad Takairangi has made a tremendous impact since switching to the centres three years ago. With speed to burn and a rare offloading ability, the Eels centre will ensure the Cowboys have their work cut out on either side of the field. Switched to the right side to accommodate Michael Jennings, Takairangi will play a key role for the home side by providing an attacking spark capable of upsetting the reigning premiers.
While he may not be as well known as many of his teammates, John Asiata has proven to be just as valuable since debuting for the Cowboys two years ago. Signed by Paul Green after starring for the Roosters in the Under 20's, the versatile backrower shapes as an untapped star for the reigning premiers. Possessing a unique skill set, the interchange forward will be looking for a breakout year in 2016 and should have Eels players on notice when he takes the field.
The favourite: After starting the year with wins over Leeds and Cronulla, the Cowboys are expected to account for Parramatta.
My tip: With Kieran Foran set to make an immediate impact with his presence alone, look for the Eels to pull off the first major upset of 2016. Eels by 2.
1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Clinton Gutherson 6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran 8. Junior Paulo 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. Danny Wicks 17. Ken Edwards
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 14. Rory Kostjasyn 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 9. Jake Granville 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant
Referees: Jared Maxwell, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;