Round 19: Eels v Warriors preview
Saturday afternoon's rugby league focus turns to Bankwest Stadium as the Parramatta Eels look to bounce back to form when they take on the Warriors - who are desperate to return to the NRL top eight.
Parramatta have been cellar-dwellers over recent years but they have turned their form around - although after a good start to the year, they've hit a patch of inconsistency which has been shown by their performances over recent weeks.
Last weekend, the Eels put in a very poor performance against the Manly Sea Eagles where they looked to be a step below their opponents. This was in complete contrast to the week before when the Blue and Gold looked very impressive in a 30-18 victory over the Wests Tigers.
In that loss to Manly though, Parramatta were matching it with their opponents for the first 20 minutes before the Sea Eagles were able to dominate through the middle of the park, running for almost triple the metres that the Eels could manage.
Their record at Bankwest Stadium since the move has been near spotless with five wins from their six matches at the venue, with their only defeat coming against the Panthers (at the beginning of that team's current winning streak). Injuries have taken their toll again for the Parramatta side with their Origin star Blake Ferguson set for an indefinite stint on the sideline.
The Warriors have had one of their typical seasons where they look like they can be both the wooden spooners and the premiers in the same match. They sit ninth on the NRL ladder following three undefeated matches -- including the draw a fortnight ago against Brisbane - sandwiched between wins against Newcastle and Cronulla. Last weekend they stole victory against the Sharks after a self-admitted brain snap by their opponents.
Despite having not been defeated in three games, their form has been patchy given, that they had every chance to beat the Panthers then struggled to dominate against under-strength Newcastle and Brisbane sides.
For this one, the visitors have been able to keep a consistent squad however the loss of David Fusitu'a for an extended period will hurt them especially with opposing players like Maika Sivo and Brad Takairangi being in good form on the outside of the field for Parramatta. They are yet to take to the field at Bankwest Stadium, however their record when visiting Sydney as a whole isn't particularly great which will be a concern.
Last meeting: Round 11 2018 - Eels 14 Warriors 24
Who to watch: Former Panther Waqa Blake makes his return from an ankle injury as well as making his Parramatta debut. The centre is going to have to play a big role for the Eels in the centres up against the talented backline of the Warriors. Blake made ten appearances for the Panthers this season, all in the number 4 jersey, but only managed to score one try until he was injured for the Panthers - ironically against the Eels at Bankwest Stadium.
Veteran halves journeyman Blake Green has been good for the Warriors this season and despite the addition of Nikorima, Green needs to show his calm head to control the Warriors around the park because even though there will be opportunities for to cut through the middle of the Eels defence, they will need Green to ensure that they take their moments when they come.
The favourite: Parramatta come into the game as comfortable favourites based on their success at Bankwest Stadium, but the Warriors have won two of the past three clashes between the two sides including winning the clash between the two sides in Sydney last season.
My tip: This game is going one of the hardest tips of the round because you never know what side will turn up for either of these clubs. Both the Eels and Warriors could win this game by 1 or 21 points which makes it even harder. Overall, I'm tipping the Eels narrowly solely based on the fact the game is at Bankwest Stadium. Eels by 6.
