Date: Monday 2nd of April
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Kick off: 4:10pm
Head Referee: Gerard Sutton
Assistant Referee: Gavin Reynolds
Head to head: Played 35, Eels 20, Tigers 14, drawn 1
Head to head odds: Tigers ($ 1.85), Eels ($ 2.00)
Broadcast: Live Fox Sports – Coverage from 3:30pm
Last four encounters:
01. Eels 17, Tigers 16 at ANZ Stadium (2017)
02. Eels 26, Tigers 22 at ANZ Stadium (2017)
03. Tigers 23, Eels 8 at ANZ Stadium (2016)
04. Eels 8, Tigers 0 at ANZ Stadium (2016)
The Warm Up:
This round four encounter between the 6th placed Wests Tigers and the 16th placed Parramatta Eels marks the annual Easter Monday clash between the two western Sydney clubs as well as the 2nd Stay Kind Cup match (honouring the memory of Stuart Kelly).
Both the Eels and Tigers come into this one off the back of a loss. Parramatta will be desperate to record their first win of 2018 against a Wests Tigers team that have been a surprise packet of the opening rounds.
Whilst the early season form has been encouraging for the Tigers, the same cannot be said of the Eels. However, the corresponding match last year marked the turn around in form for the Blue and Gold. Hopefully Parra supporters turn up in force to counter what will likely be a bumper roll up of Wests fans.
Having a Bet:
My value bet is for any team to win the game by a margin of 1 to 12 points ($1.57 via Sportsbet).
The first try favourites for both teams are listed below.
Tigers: David Nofoaluma – $11
Tigers: Corey Thompson – $13
Eels: George Jennings – $12
Eels: Josh Hoffman – $12
Feed Your Footy Brain:
The Parramatta Eels have won four of their past five encounters against the West Tigers.
Each of these past five games have taken place at ANZ Stadium.
Tracking: Mitchell Moses.
This time last year Mitchell Moses was wearing a Wests Tigers jersey preparing to line up against the Parramatta Eels for the corresponding Easter Monday encounter.
Fast forward to 2018 and the Eels number 6 was on fire for the first 20 minutes of the season – but it’s been a tough slog since then.
Indeed, with the Eels attack failing to launch, plenty of the spotlight has fallen on the Eels halves. With the team unable to score a solitary second half point this season, this comes as no surprise.
Moses is a very talented player and he has proven that time and time again throughout the past couple of seasons. With that in mind, it would be perfect timing for the Eels pivot to find his attacking mojo against his former club and trigger a turn around in Parra’s form.
The fans will certainly be hoping so.
Danger man:
Benji Marshall, the rejuvenated, re-energised Wests Tigers five eighth, is the man that the Eels must shut down.
At the beginning of the season, it seemed unlikely that Marshall would be one of the catalysts of a Tigers revival, but Benji is almost as important to the club today as he was over a decade ago. This is great news if you’re a Wests Tigers fan, not so great if you’re an Eels supporter.
Though the injury to high profile signing Josh Reynolds seemed set to hinder the Tigers chances, it instead provided the opportunity for Marshall to showcase his skills and guide his team to two victories. That famous side step may no longer be on show, but it’s been replaced by a cool football brain.
His name is sure to feature prominently on the Eels tip sheets.
Team lists:
Wests Tigers (6th coming into the round)
01. Corey Thompson
02. David Nofoaluma
03. Esan Marsters
04. Kevin Naiqama
05. Malakai Watene Zelezniak
06. Benji Marshall
07. Luke Brooks
08. Russell Packer
09. Pita Godinet
10. Ben Matulino
11. Chris Lawrence (C)
12. Robbie Rochow
13. Matthew Eisenhuth
14. Matt McIlwrick
15. Alex Twal
16. Michael Chee Kam
17. Josh Aloiai
18. Tyson Gamble
19. Tim Grant
20. Jacob Liddle
21. Tuimoala Lolohea
Coach: Ivan Cleary
Late mail: Tuimoala Lolohea is an outside chance to return from injury, and there is some speculation around Marshall’s fitness. Apart from that, the Tigers should remain unchanged.
Parramatta Eels (16th coming into the round)
01. Will Smith
02. George Jennings
03. Michael Jennings
04. Kirisome Auva’a
05. Josh Hoffman
06. Corey Norman
07. Mitchell Moses
08. Daniel Alvaro
09. Kaysa Pritchard
10. Tim Mannah (C)
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. Nathan Brown
14. Beau Scott (C)
15. Kenny Edwards
16. Peni Terepo
17. Tony Williams
18. Cameron King
19. Suaia Matagi
20. David Gower
21. Marata Nuikore
Coach: Brad Arthur
Late mail: There hasn’t been much talk of changes for the Eels, expect them to remain 1 to 17.
Will Smith vs Corey Thompson
It’s a battle of the makeshift fullbacks as the Tigers pocket rocket Corey Thompson prepares to face off against Eels utility Will Smith.
Smith could best be described as the Parramatta Eels Mr. Fix it. Whenever or wherever the Eels have needed him to fill in at fullback, five eighth, halfback or even hooker he’s got the job done and never seemed to put in a bad performance.
It’s always handy to have a quality utility player like Smith in your squad, especially during times of injury to key players. In his current role of fullback, the lightweight Smith adopts a playmaker style. Expect him to take the pressure off Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses by taking the odd kick on the last tackle or slipping into the attacking structure in a halves role.
Former Bulldog, Corey Thompson is one of the form backs of the 2018 season. He beat Tigers star winger David Nofoaluma to a starting position in round one and is now replacing the injured Tuimoala Lolohea at fullback.
Thompson is very fast and elusive. Quality players have a habit of bobbing up wherever the ball is and this sums up the Wests Tigers version of Thompson. He’s always hovering around the ball looking for an offload. If not marked well, he may cause the Eels plenty of headaches.
And The Winner Is:
Much like last weekend’s game between the Eels and Sharks, this one could be a toss of the coin. However, I am leaning towards the Wests Tigers.
Eels have a number of players out with injury and I feel the loss of Jarryd Hayne, Kane Evans and Bevan French will impact heavily upon them. Whilst the Eels have opted for a stronger forward pack with the additions of Tony Williams and Peni Terepo, I still believe the Tigers hold the upper hand in that department with the likes of Russell Packer, Alex Twal and Ben Matulino.
I’m tipping the Eels to do it tough, though desperation can bring out the best in teams. It’s a Tigers victory in a tight one – Tigers 22, Eels 18.
Man of the match: Mitchell Moses, Kaysa Pritchard, Benji Marshall or Corey Thompson
Enjoy the game, GO THE EELS !!!
We will win this one. As soon as expectations of us winning drop off we will pick our game up. Put the house on it
Go the Swans!
Not confident at all tbh; and I like W Smith but to me he’s not a fullback and I know he’s versatile but under the high ball he has had some issues.
If our middle forwards do well we can def win it; along with the halves playing for 80.
I’m happy to see smith play 5/8 n have Moses in #7.
I think Hayne has had a bad influence on Norman sence his (Hayne) return.
Good read Nathan. I’m thinking we will be better with out Evans n Hayne. I’m starting to think maybe we shouldn’t have brought them.
Hayne in my eyes could Easley make centre his home instead his played crap on all 2 game n my thinking was so he could force brad to shift him to fullback. IMO his switch to fullback failed also.
On Evans for someone that is almost 2 metres tall n weighs 115 kilo’s he runs are not packing any punch. He should be crashing through the line not just bending it.
I like this weeks back line except for smith at the back. I’d put Hoffman there but in saying that its not like we have another winger.
With my comment regarding Hayne n Evans will be proven right. We imo don’t need hayne or evans. I think we will win.
Eels 26 / tigers 12.
#Eels4life#
I feel Parra have to play without fear.
Last week was about getting the defence in some order and the fear of making mistakes with the ball.
I suspect BA will take a more forthright stance of letting the ball do the work and playing more directly.
Last week the unforgivable things were lack of back up and chase, there was no excuse for that in the circumstances of the game fear wise.
The long kick Normie put through was a horror chase and I noticed the runs in the red zone to the line did not have players in motion and easlly showed the defence what we were doing.
One out stuff is not good enough.
It is an understatement to say how important this game is, maybe more than Tigers are ready for.
They don’t train to play that way Poppa. It is up to the fellas to step up.
In reply to Sneddon.
The time Hayne had at fullback last week was no time to judge him.
The difference Jennings made to the right side defence showed up how inadequate Hayne is as a defensive reader of the game from the centres.
JH needs to be fullback or wing…..the centre now is a different game to the time he was playing with the Kangaroos….there is much greater responsibility to read the plays and cut them off at that point than defending directly in a defensive line.
I agree on most of this Poppa; JH to FB is my thoughts too but is he fit enough from one pre-season? I am not sure about this but will have faith in the coach.
Our fwds have to play strong and use some second phase but the dominance of the West’s fwds will try and slow us down all day; this is how teams will play us with the smaller type fwds.
Halves have to stand up and lead; that’s simple and has to occur each game.
Poppa I understand Hayne only lasted 1 half at fullback n yes that is not enough time to judge him.
Let me ask you this. Where do you put Hayne once gutherson comes back along with French ?
My back will be this.
1. Gutherson
2. French
3. Jennings
4. Avau’a
5. Hoffman.
Let me quess you drop Hoffman n put Hayne on the wing or put Hayne back to centre n Hoffman on the wing.
I have always believed that JH could make it at centre but the Manly game gave me doubts. I am not willing to write him off just yet but I have some concerns.
The other issue for me is Terepo and Williams. both are a little underdone but it was a change I believe BA had to make.
I would love to see Marata Niukore get his debut but it would be better if we can get a couple of wins and a bit of momentum first.
Yes John agreed about JH and Marata; I think if our fwds had been dominating along with the halves we could have seen him get on. Hope we can still do this and see some new blood come into the team.
Our halves have to lead us around and pull the strings.
You’re correct about the halves being able to play off the forwards. We have a couple of larger bodies this week. Let’s see the difference.
I’m hearing big things John Eel about marata niukore from sixties n 40/20 n Mitch.
I’ve never seen him but from what I do know is that his a big tall n rangey centre / back row. Not sure if his in the Daniel wagon mould or Ben smith tipe.
But from what the boys are telling everyone is that his time will come.
On Hayne I’d be more then happy if he played in Wenty.
I think brad can build on a Michael n George Jennings combo. Both have all the skills so i can’t see why Hayne will have to come back into the back line.
When gutherson returns along with French we should be good as gold.
1. Gutherson
2. French
3. Avau’a
4. M, Jennings
5. G , Jennings
6. Smith ( over Norman )
7. Moses .
#Eels4life#
Rev, he’s not built like either of those two. He’s not rangy – he’s just a big human. I know he’s rated – it’s getting the timing right for his shot.
Nws
Milo we all like to see new blood come into the team because that is how your team grows. There is a lot on social media at the moment about the need for new blood but for me most of what is said is overhyped. it will happen when the opportunity comes and over the next couple of years I believe that we are in for an exciting time with some of the good talent that is coming thru.
Couldn’t agree more John; overhyped is the key word this week; NRL copping it from Tele and media hacks and the overhyped use of ball tampering too was over the top. Just my view and not those of TCT!!
It’s good to see Mr Rothfield being unbiased as always in his media column.
Eels to win and break the shackles for 2018
I hope we don’t have the same game plan as Wendy today
I just watched our reserve grade side get beaten by 40 odd points.
It was without a doubt one of the worst performances I have ever seen.
The fundamentals that these players do not have is a total indightment of there coaching and playing.
If I see the FG put in any sort of performance like that, then this club is in serious serious trouble.
That Reserve grade side has to reflect on BA’s system approach and obviously shows Nathan Cayless is not a coach by any standards.
I am in shock, I never realised we had got this low.
Well Poppa the 1st grade team was no better today.
We are no 0-4 and that is pretty much season over. With the form they are in I honestly don’t see us beating anyone this year.
I have pencilled us in for the spoon already.
Terrible wasnt it. Can’t believe how poor that team was. Shaking my head at whats happening. Again I say the club is playing old style footy against teams that appear enormously superior. Boys versus men.
Answers need to be found and found quickly. The light at the end of the tunnel is a train hurtling directly at us.
Will be a huge week in the media.
I am not going there BEM, first grade were not as hopeless as Reserve Grade who were diabolical.
The results on Reserve Grade have to reflect on Arthur as he chooses Cayless.
First grade indicates BA has lost the confidence of his players. They wouldn’t say that but the results indicate it.
I can see they are trying but they have been coached to play a style that worked last year and is very different this year.
One of my criticisms of BA is that he doesn’t seem to have plan B’s …..this is showing up very badly with this side.
His assistant coaches are proving ineffective and the conditioning is questionable.
West’s condition is unquestionable and they have our conditioner from last year.
Bernie and the board will start asking questions about alternatives,
I suppose all we can do now is sit back and hope!
Poppa remember your not a loud to be critical of the coaching staff here they don’t like that.
I feel BA has gone as far as he can with this team and needs to go. That been said the players are accountable and to many are not the problem is our lower grades are terrible so who are the replacements?
Offside you can be critical of whoever you want on our side, Critism just has to be considered and not personal. That’s all.
I have questioned the conditioning on this site in the first three weeks.
Wenty are so bad that they should think about packing it in. I think the eels should take the reserve grade back over. This half and half isn’t working. All players should be contracted to parramatta,
Offside we except constructive criticism.
The only thing we don’t except is slandering of the coaching staff n any of the players.
We understand that us the fans can n do get frustrated from periods like this.
Like a lot of us hear on the TCT it’s easy to take pot shots at the club but were does that get us as a club n fans of the eels ?
Look at the end of the day it’s just a game there’re more important things in life to worry about.
I’ve been a eels fan all of my 40+ years n I’ve been thru some good yrs n some shocking years aka 1995 but I will always n will continue to support my team no matter what.
#Eels4life#
There is im over it all ready sadly ive given up hope of seeing us win a premiership.
I love the eels but no longer invest any emotion whitch is why from watching from the outside and im fortunate enough to have access to a few lower graders i can tell u that there is issues and its time BA moved on aswell as some players.
0 and 4
1 finals appearance in nearly 10 years
Poor recritment
Struggles across the grades
Changes are needed simple as that BA has had 5 years thats enough with no success
Poppa I’d wish Luke burt took over the ISP side after all he took the 20’s to the big game.
There are obvious problems between the playing group. You don’t go from top four to this rabble unless there are some serious internal issues. The boys who manage this site have inside information, attend training every week.
What’s doing?