Round 6: Canberra v Parramatta preview
Raiders and Eels staring down the barrel of consecutive defeats
As they prepare for Saturday night's clash in the nation's capital, the Raiders and Eels find themselves in relatively unfamiliar territory.
As last start losers, both will be desperate to avoid a rare fortnight of disappointment. In a game that belies its fifth versus eighth billing, there's no doubt as Ricky Stuart and Brad Arthur simmer in defeat that both sides will be frothing by the time the Viking clap springs into action.
Last week at Penrith, Canberra failed to go the distance with last year's runner up. Even without the busy Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad and the late loss of Josh Hodgson, Stuart didn't mince his words, admitting his side simply wasn't good enough. Having tasted defeat in two of their past three outings, another loss could see Canberra slip outside the top eight.
Unfortunately this week they'll be without the injured Nicoll-Klokstad who has been replaced by former Panther Caleb Aekins. Hodgson has shaken away his niggles and has been named in what also marks the return of centre Curtis Scott.
In the season's biggest upset, Parramatta were ambushed on home turf by a white-hot St George Illawarra. Monstered upfront and outsmarted on the edges, in a worrying sign for Arthur, the Eels' composure unraveled under pressure as the Dragons dissected every facet of their game.
Following the match the Eels coach blamed the 14 errors on poor attitude, and with a trademark sneer demanded greater consistency.
The signs of mediocrity were glossed over in victory against the Tigers a week earlier. And even though the loss of Dylan Brown this week to suspension is a blow, the addition of livewire half Will Smith might just be the variety the Eels need.
With the fuse set, the upfront exchanges alone should be worth the price of admission. Junior Paulo head-to-head with Josh Papalii and Hudson Young against the missile that is Isaiah Papali'i - if at any stage it flares up, the ferocity is sure to rock Big Mal's statue.
Last meeting: Round 7 2020 - Eels 25 Raiders 24
Who to watch: With Parramatta searching for only their fourth win in 17 attempts at GIO Stadium, there will be plenty to watch.
Now in his second season of NRL, George Williams is still chasing the consistency that made his coach a Canberra great. Alongside Jack Wighton, both jumped out of the blocks against Penrith before being comprehensively outplayed. Struggling for try-assists and with just one line break for the season, Williams will need to pack his running boots if the Green Machine is to regain its spark.
Following three unproductive seasons on the Gold Coast that only enhanced a tackle-shy reputation, Bryce Cartwright is the last name you'd expect to see on Brad Arthur's bench. Last week's early error was more cardiac-Cartwright than one time Origin prospect, but with 113 metres the back-rower finished on a high. Although this week won't get any easier, and the former Panther can expect to be targeted by an endless stream of lime green traffic.
The favourite: Canberra are the firm favourites. The last time Parramatta knocked over the Raiders in Canberra was on the back of a Jarryd Hayne double way back in 2006.
My tip: With slippery conditions expected to diminish the quality, the raging passion of both sides should fill the void. In what promises to be a battle of two salty coaches as much as two desperate packs, don't be surprised if this one goes down to the wire like two dogs with a bone. And with only one loss to date, Parramatta probably deserve more respect, but on home soil it's Canberra who hold the aces. Canberra by 2.
