NRL Team List

It will be the bright lights of Thursday night footy for consecutive weeks for the Parramatta Eels as they host the red-hot Rabbitohs in Round 16 of the NRL. The contrasting performances of the two teams, both of whom posted victories last week, is fascinating. South Sydney completely eviscerated the Manly Sea Eagles 56-16 in an effort that was built on a stunning first half rout of their opposition. The Bunnies almost couldn’t help but score – underlined by a ridiculous intercept try by Latrell Mitchell as he picked the pocket of Tevita Funa during a brazen pass attempt in front of Manly’s goal line.

On the other hand the Eels ground out a 14-0 victory over a Melbourne Storm side bereft of a raft of key players. The shutout victory certainly didn’t capture as many headlines in the press but it did perhaps signal two important themes for the Blue & Gold. Firstly, they are ready to turn the corner in attack after signalling a willingness to get downhill in attack using their centres and backrowers more aggressively and secondly, their right-edge might finally be coalescing into the defensive unit we have being longing for.

Brad Arthur has made the solitary enforced change this week after Marata Niukore was charged by Match Review Committee for a crusher tackle. Andrew Davey’s name has been called out and he will make a deserved return to first-grade. The only other change to the TLT-21 this week is Stefano Utoikamanu nabbing Davey’s vacant slot on the shadow bench, otherwise Parramatta are ready to rock and roll with the same line-up.

South Sydney feature a number of offensive dynamos with the aforementioned Mitchell joined by the likes of Cody Walker, Damien Cook and Cameron Murray as legitimate game-breakers. The Eels can ill-afford any moments of laxness when the ball is around any of these players but in saying that Parramatta have made a habit of dialling-in on these sort of players in 2020. The Rabbitohs have loaded up for the trenches on their bench with four forwards on the bench and nary a sign of a utility or utility back.

The famed adage of what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object might not be completely be at play this week given that the Eels will likely be looking to hone their attack but when the competition’s best defence meets a scorching hot offence you know the shield & spear paradox sets the table for this week’s contest! Let’s get to it Parra.

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.