EELS vs SEA EAGLES
SUNDAY, 18 MARCH 2018 – LOTTOLAND
Here we go again, Many and Parra ……
Every time these two clubs clash, memories are evoked of that classic Tooheys ad and the iconic jingle. The jingle transcended being a simple beer commercial to become symbolic of the contest and tribalism involving two great rugby league rivals.
As always, there’s plenty at stake when Manly and Parramatta take to the field this weekend.
Both teams will be smarting from first up losses and neither of these two old foes will want to start the season with two losses.
Of course, unless we see a draw, either Manly or Parra will be consigned to sit at the bottom of the table after the final whistle on Sunday.
Another warm afternoon has been forecast for Kick-off time, and the Eels will have to contend with visitor status. As such, they will be looking for a more disciplined performance than what was dished up at Penrith. The team can ill afford the pattern seen in 2017 – receiving only 0 to 1 penalties in the second half of matches.
With the single premiership match as a form guide, we will look at some quick historical facts involving these clubs.
Quick Facts
- 137 games played between these two great rivals.
- Manly hold a commanding 82 wins to Parra’s 51.
- At Lottoland (Brookvale Oval) the Sea Eagles have 41 wins to Eels 20.
- Last 10 games at this venue sees Manly ahead 6 wins to 4.
- Last game between Parramatta and Manly was Rnd 1 2017 at Lottoland and saw the Eels take away a 20 to 12 victory.
- The Eels are currently on a 6 game winning streak against Manly.
- Manly’s last victory over the Eels was back in Rnd 3 2014 (22 – 18 @ Brookvale)
Parramatta went through the entire 2017 Home and Away season with no losses after leading at the break. Unfortunately, after only one match in 2018, that feat cannot be replicated. Given the attention that was given to second half efforts in the Eels pre-season, the opening match would have disappointed Arthur and his staff.
2018 By Quarters (and Golden Point)
| 0 – 20 | 20 – 40 | 40 – 60 | 60 – 80 | ET | |
| Eels | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sea Eagles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Games won in these time frames
Parramatta will be looking to demonstrate their Premiership credentials by disposing of a Manly side hurting after a 1 point loss to last season’s wooden spooners. As the competition has just a single round as a form guide, we could use Parramatta’s trial against Newcastle as a comparison. This would suggest an Eels victory. However, using a trial as an indicator is an unreliable proposition.
Therefore, both teams will be looking into the mirror as they seek answers to sub par performances last week. The biggest questions must be asked of the Eels.
After the Eels electric start against the Panthers, nothing less than a complete 80 min performance will be acceptable this week at Lottoland.
Brad Arthur has stuck solid with the same 21, which includes the 17 that took to the pitch at Panthers Stadium. Places in the top squad will surely be at risk with a repeat performance.
All 4 players on the extended bench would be champing at the bit to get back in the top side and all are more than capable of producing the goods in first grade.
Another quality clash is on the cards at Brookvale this weekend, so we need Blue and Gold Army members to get out there and support the boys.
Yours in Blue and Gold,
Colmac
Stats courtesy of Champion Data.
All these stats and more can be viewed on our match centre at http://mc.championdata.com/nrl/ including live game stats
Short, comprehensive and fair summary Colmac.
The side that loses this one will have a fair bit of answering to do really. From the eels side of things they have seemed to have enjoyed a buoyant preseason with no real hiccups, until the Penrith match. I think Manly have had a bit worse record with their trial matches, although I could be wrong on that.
If the same team turns up this week from the eels, and by that I mean with the way they play I would have to say that I would be bitterly dissapointed by the loss but more so if there were no changes for R3.
Hindsight and reflection on the Penrith loss, has me a more positive for this week, the loss of MM in the bin and then with Norms down injured created a real defensive problem for the eels, so more control that includes the giving away of penalties needs to be at the top of the eels list in what they have to do.
I cannot comprehend that BA cannot find a place on the bench for Will Smith. He covers most positions and his pre season and trial form was excellent. In this heat, he would have been sensational.
He could have also been another speed hump on Sunday when we were down a man.
Understand your point FH, injecting Smith when Mpses was off may have made a difference and would have helped King. Not sure about the balance of the bench but it would seem BA is juggling the forward rotation with utility. The contribution from the bench last week wasn’t up to expectations…
‘Places in the top squad will surely be at risk with a repeat performance.’ Colmac, don’t be too sure about that, BA has a history of sticking with his players despite the results. Instead of being stubborn he needs to be more proactive and the selection of Edwards would go a long way to ensuring a victory imo.
Stubborn is a very harsh word Glenn. Especially when a rugby League team is built on unity and loyalty.
That’s another reason these players want to play at our club and for BA.
Last year we won 2 then lost 4. The only changes made were for injuries and suspensions. Consistency doesn’t come from swapping and changing a top 17 because of a single poor result.
This 17 was the culmination of a long hard preseason with opposed contact field sessions and many competitive gym and wrestling sessions. BA doesn’t appear to select his teams on a whim like many of the fans on this and other blogs/forums.