Match Centre

Round 16: Eels v Rabbitohs preview

Sydney foes face off in finals pre-cursor

The Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs will be looking to build momentum heading towards the finals when they clash at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday evening.

Sitting in third position on 24 premiership points after taking advantage of an injury-depleted Storm side 14-0 last Thursday, the Parramatta Eels will be hoping to all but guarantee a top four finish with victory.

Scoring four wins from their past six clashes against the Rabbitohs, coach Brad Arthur will be hoping for another strong defensive display after his side held an opposition to nil for the fourth time in his career last week.

Losing underrated forward Marata Niukore to a one-match ban for a crusher tackle, rookie Andrew Davey comes onto the bench in the only change from the team that took the field seven days earlier.

Finding form at the right end of the season with four straight wins, the South Sydney Rabbitohs will be looking to assert their credentials by claiming the scalp of a premiership contender on Thursday evening.

Posting their highest score in nine years with a 56-16 annihilation of Manly last Saturday, coach Wayne Bennett will be hoping his side can continue a strong record at Bankwest Stadium following four wins from six visits in 2020.

Boosted by the inclusion of front-rower Liam Knight after serving a one-match ban, Dane Gagai and Corey Allan come into the backline in place of Steven Marsters and Alex Johnston.

Last meeting: Round 12 2019 - Eels 26 Rabbitohs 14

Who to watch: Facing off against one of his former teams on Thursday evening, Parramatta lock Nathan Brown will be determined to make his presence felt on the field.

Playing 28 matches with the Rabbitohs before heading west three years ago, the 27-year-old firebrand forward has averaged 162 metres each week, along with contributing 21 offloads as part of the side's potent second-phase game. Set to come off-contract at the end of 2021, Brown will be looking to finish the year on a high as the Eels strive to end the league's longest premiership drought.

Producing enormous numbers off the bench in recent weeks, rookie forward Keaon Koloamatangi has emerged as a diamond in the rough for South Sydney in 2020.

Coming through the ranks as a Mascot Jets' junior before making his first grade debut back in June, the 22-year-old has averaged 156 metres and 21 tackles in his past three performances to coincide with the club's surge towards the play-offs. Contracted to the club until the end of next season, Koloamatangi will need to have a similar impact on Thursday night if the Rabbitohs hope to get the better of the Eels.

The favourite: With South Sydney yet to defeat a legitimate top eight team this season, Parramatta are expected to get the job done on Thursday night.

My tip: While Souths have thrived in high-scoring matches that play to their attacking strengths, the defensive grit shown by Parramatta last week should get the home side over the line. Eels by 7.