Round 18: Eels v Rabbitohs preview
Can the Eels slide into the winners' circle against the rejuvenated Rabbitohs?
The Parramatta Eels will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Newcastle Knights last week. Despite a stellar performance from Mitchell Moses, who backed up his man-of-the-match effort for NSW in the Origin series with two tries and three goals, the Eels fell short in a 34-26 defeat. The match saw Parramatta lead at halftime, but a late surge from the Knights, including three tries in the final 15 minutes, sealed their fate. The Eels were also on the wrong end of a couple of contentious calls, with a questionable try awarded against them and a potential try for Blaze Talagi disallowed. Matt Arthur, son of the former coach, made an impressive debut and is expected to retain his spot on the bench.
Parramatta will be without star winger Maika Sivo, who has succumbed to a hamstring injury and is expected to spend a few weeks on the sideline. This sees Jake Tago debut alongside back-rower Charlie Guymer, who will also make his debut off the bench after he replaces Makahesi Makatoa.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs, on the other hand, are on a four-game winning streak, having climbed from last place after Magic Round to just outside the top eight. The return of key players like Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray has revitalised the team, particularly in defence, where they've conceded only 24 points in three games. Latrell Mitchell's influence has been profound, contributing to 11 tries in six games.
In this upcoming clash at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta will aim to end their three-game losing streak and secure a win against a formidable Rabbitohs side. The Eels have yet to beat the Bunnies at Commbank since it opened in 2019, and the Rabbitohs have won seven of their eight past games against the side from Parramatta. As a result, South Sydney will be looking to extend not only this winning streak against Parramatta but their 2024 streak to five consecutive victories and continue their climb up the ladder.
Last meeting: Round 12 2024 - Rabbitohs 42 Eels 26
Players to watch: After scoring a double against Newcastle, Blaize Talagi will be one to watch as the Eels take on the Bunnies this weekend. He has scored at least one try in his last six games, so expect him to cross the line at least once at Commbank on Thursday night.
With the return of Cam Murray, Keaon Koloamatangi will return to his favoured position for this game. With four tries to his name for the 2024 season and an average of 161 run metres, expect him to come out of the blocks firing.
Favourites: Coming off the bye and having a four-game winning streak, the Rabbitohs are going into this match as slight favourites.
My tip: It will most likely be close, but it's hard to go against a Bunnies side that's in form at the moment. Rabbitohs by 6.
