JUNE 17TH, 2023 PARRAMATTA EELS V MANLY SEA EAGLES
COMMBANK STADIUM, SYDNEY
Get ready for a pulsating clash as the Parramatta Eels go head-to-head against the Manly Sea Eagles in a highly anticipated NRL encounter during Round 16. The exhilarating match will unfold at the renowned CommBank Stadium in Sydney, promising a captivating display of rugby league prowess.
Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur has finalized his squad for the upcoming Saturday clash against the Manly Sea Eagles. However, the Eels will be without the services of key stars Mitchell Moses and Junior Paulo, as they have been called up to the Blues squad for Game II. Stepping up in place of Moses is recruit Daejarn Asi, who made an impressive club debut on the King’s birthday. Additionally, Ofahiki Ogden takes his place in the front row due to Wiremu Greig’s long-term injury. An unexpected selection comes in the form of Ryan Matterson, usually a back-rower, who will occupy the five-eighth position for only the second time since his departure from the Roosters in 2018. Fellow Tiger-turned-Eel Joe Ofahengaue makes his return on the bench, while Josh Hodgson remains sidelined due to a neck injury. Matterson and Ofahengaue’s timely comebacks from injury aim to bolster the team, compensating for the absence of Mitchell Moses and Junior Paulo, who are fulfilling their NSW Origin duties.
Shaun Lane, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, stands a chance of making a return and has been named on Parramatta’s extended bench. Brendan Hands is set to continue as the Eels’ starting hooker in the absence of Josh Hodgson, who continues his recovery from a neck injury.
On the other side of the contest, the Manly Sea Eagles enter the game with renewed confidence following their dominant 58-18 victory over the Dolphins in the previous round. However, they face the challenge of replicating that performance without the presence of key players Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic. In their absence, talented youngster Kaeo Weeks assumes the fullback position for his ninth appearance this season. Jakob Arthur, a mid-season recruit from Parramatta and the son of the Parramatta Eels head coach, takes charge as the team’s halfback. The dynamics in the Arthur household are sure to be frostier than an 8pm game at GIO Stadium, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
With both sides experiencing a lack of experience in their spine positions, the coaches are likely to focus on getting early ball to their edges and outside backs. Individual brilliance and attacking flair will play crucial roles in determining the outcome of the game. Notably, back-rower Shaun Lane’s inclusion in jersey number twenty-two carries immense significance and could completely change the game’s outlook if he makes his much-awaited return.
Although both Ryan Matterson and Josh Schuster line up as five-eighths this week, their previous NRL experience has predominantly been in the second-row position. With relatively inexperienced halfbacks partnering them, the match holds unpredictable possibilities, making it an intriguing battle to watch.
Mark your calendars and brace yourself for an NRL Round 16 showdown filled with exhilarating rugby league action. Witness the clash between the Parramatta Eels and the Manly Sea Eagles as they vie for supremacy at CommBank Stadium. Expect intensity, strategic maneuvers, and unforgettable moments in this captivating contest between two fierce rivals.
Manly team : 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Sean Keppie 14. Karl Lawton 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Ben Condon 18. Aaron Woods 19. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 20. Morgan Harper 21. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 22. Zac Fulton
Out: Tom Trbojevic (fullback), Daly Cherry-Evans (halfback)
In: Kaeo Weekes (fullback), Jakob Arthur (halfback)
Changes: Ethan Bullemor (second row to bench), Samuela Fainu (bench to second row)
Parramatta team : 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Ryan Matterson 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Ofahiki Ogden 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Andrew Davey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Haze Dunster 19. Jack Murchie 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Waqa Blake 22. Shaun Lane
Out: Mitchell Moses (halfback), Junior Paulo (front row)
In: Ryan Matterson (five-eighth), Joe Ofahengaue (bench)
Changes: Daejarn Asi (five-eighth to halfback), Ofahiki Ogden (bench to front row)
Referee: Chris Butler
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
PREDICTION
I like the Eels here in a close contest, but I see the betting markets are giving the Sea Eagles a 6.5 point start at healthy odds. That might do me.
Read this too
Comments