Tag: eels

North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels Round 8 Preview

Posted on by Sam Alexander

What: NRL Round 8
Who: North Queensland v Parramatta
When: Saturday April 26 – 5.30pm
Where: 1300Smiles Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports

Form guide:
Cows: WLLLWLL
Eels: WLLWWWL

Things You Need To Know:
Ray Thompson shifts to halfback for Robert Lui who has been dumped to reserve grade. Rookie Kyle Feldt also finds himself on the outer, making way for Kane Linnett.
Following the Eels’ heart-breaking loss last week, Brad Arthur has only made one change with back rower Pauli Pauli moving into the starting line up. Peni Terepo shifts to the bench. Kenny Edwards is set for a lengthy stint in the injury ward following a fracture to his hand, with reports that he could miss 4-6 weeks. The Cowboys have won their past three against Parra.

Reason To Watch:
When the Eels are in this sort of form, they are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the competition. Jarryd Hayne is in irresistible touch while we’re enjoying Chris Sandow’s revival.

Reason To Turn Away:
The only thing turning away NRL fans recently is the constant refereeing blunders. The match officials look like they are controlling the game with zero confidence. Both these teams copped raw deals last start. Maybe steer clear of the post-match press conference – it could prove ugly if there is another contentious issue.

Say What:
“Our fans want to know they are getting a fair rub of green.” – Paul Green following last week’s controversial loss to the Eagles. Surely the old NSW conspiracy theory won’t fire up again will it?

Final Word:
Parramatta has blown away better sides than North Queensland this year, so be wary of discounting them. The Cowboys showed their potential last week against Manly but they continue to blow hot and cold and butchered another potential win – with considerable help from the video refs. Eels by 8.

Sam Alexander

Published on sportal – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314085/nrl

Big crowd expected for NRL blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers

Posted on by Sam Alexander
Embed from Getty Images

THE Easter resurrection of NRL crowds in Sydney is set to continue with today’s blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on track to post 40,000-plus fans.

Continue reading “Big crowd expected for NRL blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers” →

NRL Round 4 Preview Eels v Panthers

Posted on by Sam Alexander
Embed from Getty Images

Things You Need To Know:
Following a nail-biting win over the Bulldogs, the Panthers will be looking to build on that momentum. The Eels have endured an interesting start; a strong win over the Warriors, a huge loss to the Roosters, and a heart breaking last minute loss to the Sea Eagles. Chris Sandow makes his return in place of Luke Kelly. Ken Sio comes in on the wing in place of Vai Toutai and Joseph Paulo moves into the starting side in place of Ben Smith. Mitchell Allgood makes his return on the bench. The Panthers only have one change with boom halfback Peter Wallace reforming his prosperous new partnership with Jamie Soward, in place of Isaac John.

Reason To Watch:
All eyes will be on Chris Sandow as he steps back into the spotlight in his return to first grade. Sandow will be put to the test against Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward. Look out for Fijian bulldozer Semi Radradra as well…just don't go getting in his way.

Reason To Turn Away:
If you’re an Eels fan, this one could be ugly. Although the Eels have been playing some exciting footy, and have some brilliant attacking options, their inconsistency could prove to be their downfall Sandow’s return from an eight-month exile, designed to ignite the Eels, also has the potential to de-rail their chances.

Say What:
"To see him (Sandow) back in first grade will be good for the whole team…I know he’s been working really hard on his game” Parramatta teammate Willie Tonga on $500,000 a season halfback Chris Sandow’s return to first grade.

Final Word:
Comparing the form of the two outfits this season, the Panthers are looking just too hard to beat. Their footy has been brilliant, both in attack and defence, and they are shaping up to be top four bolters. Who knows what the Eels will dish up this Saturday, but it's the Panthers for us. Penrith by 10.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314043/nrl