Round 9: Parramatta v Sydney preview
An all-top 4 battle takes place on Friday night as the second-placed Parramatta Eels take on the fourth-placed Sydney Roosters side at Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta.
The Eels sit second on the NRL ladder with just the solitary defeat this season which came a few weeks back against the Dragons. The Eels have racked up the points and margins across the past three games with 25, 40 and 22 point victories across the past three games.
Last weekend, the Eels were far from their best as they were big 32-10 winners over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Stadium Australia. The Blue and Gold put the game beyond doubt early in the contest opening up a 16-0 just after the 20-minute mark. The Eels struggled with errors and ill-discipline through the remainder of the first half. The second half for Parramatta was also error riddled but they were able to put on three more tries to take a comfortable victory despite the Bulldogs scoring two quick tries.
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has named the same 17 as last week despite an injury to Nathan Brown that looked as if it was going to keep him out. Junior Paulo has been named to start after swapping with Oregon Kaufusi last weekend.
Sitting fourth on the NRL ladder, the Sydney Roosters are still managing a mounting injury crisis which took an emotional toll last week following their 38-4 victory over Newcastle which saw a potentially career ending ACL injury to Brett Morris.
The Roosters were impressive during their 38-4 victory where rookie Sam Walker stood up for the Eastern Suburbs side yet again as they dominated a poor Newcastle side. The Roosters dominance showed off early as they ran out to a 22-0 lead within in as many minutes before being kept scoreless until half-time but the damage had been done as they lead 22-4 at the break. The Roosters continued their dominance in the second half and it was the latter stages that broke the Rugby League world's hearts with the injury to Brett Morris.
The Roosters are boosted by the return of James Tedesco from his head knock with Joey Manu replacing Brett Morris in the centres. Lindsay Collins who also suffered an ACL is replaced by Sio Siua Taukeiaho. Sam Verrills has suffered a semi-detached retina with Ben Marschke coming into the starting side.
Last meeting: Round 6 2020 - Roosters 24 Eels 10
Who to watch: Ryan Matterson will be a key player for the Eels in his second game back from concussion related issues. Matterson's ball playing will be important as well as his strength and go forward. His attack will be strong and the Roosters need to be on the watch for it.
Angus Crichton has taken on the veteran role in the Roosters forward pack given the injuries that have impacted the tricolours this season. Crichton has been dangerous and needs to keep the level that he showed last weekend against the Knights.
The favourite: The Eels are comfortable favourites on paper but no doubt the game will be closer than what the markets have it on paper.
My tip: I'm tipping the Roosters to win the game; the Eels have been good but there is just something about the Roosters spirit and tenacity that makes me think they can win it. The Eels have been very good this season but if the Roosters turn up strongly like they did against Newcastle, there are some weaknesses in the Eels side that could let them down. Sydney Roosters by 4.
