Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys
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Eels v Cowboys preview
Lachlan takes a look at the upcoming battle between the Parramatta Eels and the North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal.
Courageous Cowboys aim to pile on to Parramatta's pain
Saturday afternoon will see the struggling Parramatta Eels host the North Queensland Cowboys in round six action. Despite an initial glance indicating that the second placed Cowboys should have this one in the bag, a deeper inspection shows that this could be a cracking game. The Eels have conceded less points than their opponents so far this season, and have also completed at a 7% higher rate. So even though Brad Arthur's team is sitting in 14th at the moment, don't write them off just yet.
The Eels have lost their past two matches, and despite almost getting across the line against the Tigers, last Sunday in Canberra was a different story. Maika Sivo was their sole points scorer in a 41-8 drubbing by the Raiders, however he has found himself axed by Brad Arthur, not named in the 17 on Tuesday afternoon.
Alongside Sivo, prop Wiremu Greig has also been dropped, as has youngster Blaize Talagi. Morgan Harper will play in the centres, pushing Simonsson outside him into Sivo's wing spot. Daejarn Asi will play his first top flight game of the year in the number six, partnering Dylan Brown in the continued absence of Mitchell Moses. Bryce Cartwright returns from injury in the number 12, pushing Kelma Tuilagi to the bench.
The Cowboys are four from five to start the 2024 season, but have only left Queensland once so far. This trip South to Parramatta will be a tricky away day, however they should head into the game filled with confidence after dispatching kthe Titans in Townsville last Sunday. They raced out to a 16-0 half-time lead before letting the Gold Coast back into the game in the second stanza, with the final score reading 35-22. Emphasis on an 80 minute performance will be strong for the Cowboys this Saturday.
There's just the one change for the Cowboys this week, forced by an unfortunate ACL injury suffered by Zac Laybutt. Tom Chester will fill his spot in the centres.
The last two meetings between these sides have ended with a 24-16 scoreline, with the teams recording one win each.
Last meeting: Round 21 2023 - Cowboys 24 Eels 16
Who to watch: Daejarn Asi will bring his NRL game tally to 29 when he lines up alongside Dylan Brown in the halves for the Parramatta Eels this Saturday. He has been given the nod over young half option Blaize Talagi as Brad Arthur desperately tries to plug the hole in his team's spine left by Mitchell Moses' injury. Asi has played in all five of the Eels' 2024 NSW Cup games so far, with Parramatta unable to get a win in the competition to date, so Asi will be keen to get his first competitive win of the year. His performance will determine whether he is able to keep his spot in the NRL side over Talagi in the coming rounds.
Tom Chester will make his second appearance for the Cowboys this season, being recalled into the NRL side for this weekend's game. A season-ending ACL injury suffered by Zac Laybutt creates the gap in the 17 for Chester to fill, with him being named in the centres. His one appearance this year in the Queensland Cup saw him at fullback, which is the position he earned for a number of rounds in the NRL team mid-way through last season. Chester will be keen to show he belongs in the first grade side week in week out.
Favourite: With an average of over 30 points scored per game so far in the 2024 season, the North Queensland Cowboys are the clear favourites to dispatch the struggling Eels this Saturday.
My tip: The Eels were nothing short of hopeless against the Raiders last week, and coming up against an on fire Cowboys team shouldn't lift their spirits. North Queensland by 22.
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 16. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 17. Kelma Tuilagi 19. Blaize Talagi
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski 19. Thomas Mikaele
Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Gerard Sutton;