NRL April 10th 2023 Round 6
ACCOR STADIUM,SYDNEY
Tigers:
1. Charlie Staines 2. Asu Kepaoa 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To’a 5. Junior Tupou 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Shawn Blore 18. Justin Matamua 19. Alex Seyfarth 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 22. Daine Laurie
Round 6 action concludes with the traditional Easter Monday showdown between the Tigers and Eels, with both teams equally as desperate for two competition points.
The Tigers are in complete shambles – they’re the only team yet to win a game this season and another loss would condemn them to a 0-6 start for the first time in their history.
Not even the high-profile off-season recruits of Api Koroisau, David Klemmer, Isaiah Papali’i and John Bateman has changed the Tigers’ fortunes in 2023 and they are coming off their worst performance of the season last week, suffering a crushing 46-12 loss to the Broncos. Coach Tim Sheens has made a few significant changes to the Tigers line-up, with Adam Doueihi’s stint at fullback ending in favour of him partnering Brooks in the halves. Charlie Staines will get his opportunity in the number one jersey, with Daine Laurie missing out on the 17 yet again. AJ Kepaoa slots into the leftover wing spot, with Brent Naden returning into the centres. With Tommy Talau injured, Junior Tupou maintains his spot on the wing. Joe Ofahengaue joins the bench at the expense of Justin Matamua.
Eels:
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. J’maine Hopgood 15. Brendan Hands 16. Jack Murchie 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Matt Doorey 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Waqa Blake
The Eels are 1 from 4 this year as they struck some tough sides early in the draw. Defeats against the Storm, Sharks, Sea Eagles and Roosters are nothing to be too concerned about at this stage of the season, while they did post a big golden point win over the Panthers in the grand final rematch a fortnight ago.
Shaun Lane will make his long-awaited return from a broken jaw this weekend, slotting into the back row. J’maine Hopgood, who has been enjoying a brilliant start to the season, will shift onto the bench. Bailey Simonsson is out through suspension giving Haze Dunster a shot on the wing, and Sean Russell makes an appearance at centre with Waqa Blake dropping to the reserves. The coach has lost his patience with Blake. Too many mistakes and out of touch. Maybe some reserve grade footie coming up for him.
Referee: Ben Cummins
PREDICTION.
I can not see any hope here for the Tigers, so I will go for the Eels with a 15.5 points start @ $2.10 The Eels need to win this and win big to get their mojo back, and send a message to other teams they are better than their current results.
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