7:35 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15th, 2024 COMMBANK STADIUM, SYDNEY
Parramatta Eels Host Sydney Roosters in Crucial Clash
On Saturday night, the Parramatta Eels will host the Sydney Roosters as the competition nears its crucial stages. The Roosters, coming off a bye, will be well-rested, while the Eels face a relatively short turnaround after playing on the King’s Birthday public holiday.
Eels Face Challenge After Narrow Defeat
The Eels will be feeling down after missing a key opportunity to build momentum, having lost a nailbiter to the Bulldogs on Monday. The 22-18 defeat nearly erases the confidence Parramatta gained the previous week by beating the high-flying Sharks, making it a tough challenge to bounce back for this game.
Key Team Changes for the Eels
Maika Sivo returns to his wing position after missing last week due to a hamstring injury. Wiremu Greig is not included in the 17, while Daejarn Asi has been dropped from the starting side but remains on the bench. Ryan Matterson has been named in the reserves and might be a late inclusion in the 17.
LATE MAIL. J’maine Hopgood is out due to a back injury with Joe Ofahengaue to start in his place at lock. In a boost for the side, Ryan Matterson has been added to the bench after missing the last month due to an illness.
Roosters Look to Rebound After Bye
Coming off a bye last week, the Roosters had ample time to reflect on their round thirteen performance. Despite a series of strong outings, Easts were caught off guard by a Cowboys ambush at Allianz, unable to turn a half-time lead into a win. They lost 18-16, courtesy of a 73rd-minute penalty goal by Drinkwater. Currently in 6th place, the Roosters need to bounce back to secure their spot in the top eight by the end of the round.
Stronger Roosters Squad Expected
The Roosters will benefit from the return of their Origin contingent, allowing them to field a much stronger side than two weeks ago. Sitili Tupouniua, Blake Steep, Siua Wong, and Michael Jennings are the players making way in the 17.
Key Absence for the Roosters
The big news is the absence of Brandon Smith, who received a breach notice for missing a team meeting. His number nine jersey has been taken by the returning Connor Watson for this Saturday.
LATE MAIL. Star winger Dom Young will miss the game due to a minor hamstring injury suffered at training. Fetalaiga Ponga has shifted to the wing in his absence with Michael Jennings to start in the centres.
Historical Matchup Stats
The Sydney Roosters have won eight of their last ten games against the Eels.
The Eels have won four of their six games at CommBank Stadium in 2024.
The Roosters have won four of their past five games against the Eels.
Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored five tries in his first eight NRL games.
Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored six tries in six games at CommBank Stadium.
Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored a try in his last three games against the Roosters.
Team Line-ups
EELS
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell, 5. Blaize Talagi 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Daejarn Asi 15. Shaun Lane 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Wiremu Greig 19. Morgan Harper 20. Joey Lussick, 21. Ryan Matterson 22. Luca Moretti
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Joseph Manu , 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley , 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Sandon Smith 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May , 18. Michael Jennings 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Zach Dockar-Clay 21. Ethan King 22. Siua Wong
Referee. Chris Butler, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Damian Brady, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
Prediction
The Sydney Roosters are the comfortable favourites following the Eels’ unconvincing performance last time out. I believe they will go on to win this one.
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