Round 2: Eels v Sharks preview
Competition contenders look to bounce back
The Parramatta Eels and the Cronulla Sharks will be determined to open their 2023 accounts by bouncing back from first round losses on Friday evening.
Opening the season with consecutive matches on home soil for the first time in seven years, the Parramatta Eels will be aiming to improve their execution after squandering opportunities during last Thursday's season opener.
Leaving Commbank Stadium empty handed after leading for almost the entirety only to concede a try in golden point, Eels coach Brad Arthur will be hoping to put aside the disappointment of last week's 16-12 loss to Melbourne by commemorating two major milestones.
In-demand halfback Mitchell Moses is set to line up for his 200th appearance in first grade and co-captain Junior Paulo will play his 150th match in blue and gold colours.
Sean Russell will play his first match in over a year replacing Isaac Lumelume on the wing, while Makahesi Makatoa will be hoping to get onto the field after spending the duration of last week's loss on the bench.
Hitting the road for the first time in 2023 following a first round defeat, the Cronulla Sharks will be looking to post consecutive wins over their opponents for the first time in five years.
Unable to go the distance with South Sydney during last Saturday's 27-18 defeat at home, Braydon Trindall has been retained at halfback with Nicho Hynes once again unavailable due to a calf injury sustained in the pre-season.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has been forced into changes with Royce Hunt replacing Jack Williams on the bench. Wade Graham is contesting a reckless high tackle charge at the judiciary which sees Connor Tracey come onto the bench.
History shows the Sharks have lost their opening match of the season eight times during the past decade; the side has bounced back with a win the following week on four occasions, including a last-gasp victory over the Eels last season.
Last meeting: Round 2 2022 - Sharks 18 Eels 16
Who to watch: Lining up for a milestone match on Friday evening, Parramatta co-captain Junior Paulo will be aiming to lift his side to victory with another strong showing on the field. Running for over 200 metres and snaring a try during last week's loss at home, the 29-year-old front-rower has developed into a formidable on-field leader, enhanced by his inspirational campaign with Samoa at last year's World Cup. Joining exclusive company as only the 27th man to play 150 games for Parramatta in first grade, Paulo will be playing to look back on his milestone with fondness rather than regret.
Playing with distinction after earning an unexpected call up last week, Cronulla playmaker Braydon Trindall will be looking to establish a permanent place in the Sharks top 17 this season. Starting at halfback in place of Nicho Hynes after the reigning Dally M winner was ruled out with injury, the 23-year-old performed admirably by scoring a try, having a hand in another as well as nailing a 40/20 against South Sydney. Playing 39 games since debuting midway through the first year of the pandemic, Trindall remains contracted to the club for a further two seasons.
The favourite: Gaining the benefit of the doubt after falling short in extra time last week, the Eels are favoured to maintain an impressive record of never losing consecutive matches at Commbank Stadium.
My tip: The last two times the Eels lost their opening two matches occurred in 2018 and 2012. The last two times the Eels claimed the wooden spoon occurred in 2018 and 2012. Player milestones be damned - the Eels will be playing to avoid tempting history on Friday night! Eels by 12.
