Wests Tigers v Eels preview

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The big news in this game is the return of Tigers' hooker Robbie Farah from knee injury. His return will add an extra dimension to a Tigers' spine already boasting James Tedesco, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses. While the fill-in solutions at hooker have performed the job admirably over the past few weeks, Farah's inclusion will provide some experience and direction around the park.

The Tigers will, however, be without Chris Lawrence through suspension. His absence, combined with the absence of Curtis Sironen, leaves a gap in the Tigers' forward pack, both in size and in quality. Dene Halatau will move into Lawrence's vacated second row spot, after starting at hooker last week against the Titans.

Parramatta will welcome back Manu Ma'u from suspension, and have named an extended bench.

The Tigers come in to this game on the back of a 30-18 defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans last Saturday night. While the Tigers' attack was its usual reliable self, they struggled in defence, gifting the Titans too many points.

The Eels on the other hand come into this game after a win, defeating the Canterbury Bulldogs 20-6 at ANZ Stadium last Friday night. Semi Radradra had his best game of the season, and looks to be warming up for another big year, after some disappointing (by his own standards) games in the first two weeks. Kenny Edwards also had a great game, playing the full 80 minutes at a high rate of involvement, however Manu Ma'u's return from suspension sees him move back to an extended interchange bench.

Last meeting: Round 17 2015 - Tigers 16 Eels 28

Who to watch: For the Eels, well, this one should be no surprise. Semi Radradra started this season slowly, but really put his foot down last week, running in two tries, 10 tackle breaks and well over 200 metres. Not only that, he pulled both a try assist and a line break assist. Those numbers would be good stats for a prop and a halfback put together, let alone one winger. The Tigers' outside men are not noted for their defence, but they'll really need to muscle up tomorrow if they're to stand a chance.

While James Tedesco's numbers pale in comparison to Radradra's from last week (and in comparison to his own lofty standards), two try and line break assists and almost 160 metres is hardly a poor performance. On top of that, Tedesco's overall numbers this year so far have been more consistent. With his combination with Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses improving every week, expect the Tigers' attack to shine. Fingers crossed their defence can match it...

The favourite: Parramatta will start as favourites away from home this week. Kevin Naiqama looks to be great value at $18.00 for first try scorer.

My tip: Can't go past the Eels in this one. I'm tipping Semi Radradra to have a field day and run for over 200 metres, and for the Tigers to struggle to contain the Eels' improving attack. Eels by 10.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 12. Dene Halatau 10. Tim Grant 11. Kyle Lovett 14. Josh Aloiai 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 9. Robbie Farah 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jack Buchanan 17. Manaia Cherrington

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. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. David Gower 16. Danny Wicks 17. Ken Edwards

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson, Luke Patten;