Nathan Smith previews the Round 15 encounter between the Eels and Roosters.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Sydney Roosters
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Saturday 18th June, 7:35pm (local)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Related: NRL Team List Tuesday
Embed from Getty ImagesEels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Nathan Brown 18. Tom Opacic 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Bryce Cartwright 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Sean Russell
Brad Arthur has stuck with the same 17 that was thoroughly embarrassed by the Bulldogs last week. He will be hoping for a response from what is the Eels’ strongest 17.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Sam Verrills 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Nat Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Drew Hutchison 16. Egan Butcher 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Lachlan Lam 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Paul Momirovski 21. Terrell May 22. Adam Keighran
Luke Keary has been named but is no guarantee after suffering a concussion last week. Sam Verrills makes his return, shifting Drew Hutchinson to the bench. Finally, Billy Smith comes into the side for Paul Momirovski.
Referee: Todd Smith
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Both sides are coming into this game on the back of losses.
The Roosters were a dropped try away from defeating the Storm and will be able to take plenty from the match. Though they’ve had a patchy season to date, with seven wins and seven losses, there’s plenty of room for improvement and you can expect them to continue to build towards the finals in the second half of the season.
The Eels put in their worst performance of the season in a shock loss to the Bulldogs. Typical of their year, they followed up a couple of wins with a loss and found themselves unable to put away a side they were expected to beat. The discrepancy between their best and worst is an eternal source of frustration for their fans and boils down to one simple thing: attitude. Until they aspire to consistent excellence, they simply won’t be taken seriously as a premiership threat.
The Roosters will be sweating on the fitness of Luke Keary, who though named, is a chance to miss this week due to suffering a concussion. Should he miss out, the responsibility of turning on the attack will fall solely on Sam Walker. The Roosters’ fans wouldn’t be too concerned about this, as the young half had a fantastic game last week with some classy touches and a brilliant solo try. The Eels’ outside backs, whose defence is questionable at the best of times, will have their hands full with Joseph Manu, who was arguably one of the Roosters’ best last week.
For the Eels, their senior players need to take accountability for last week’s game. It’s the experienced blokes that drive culture and attitude, and in 2022, the Eels have consistently put in up and down performances. Clint Gutherson, Junior Paulo, and Mitchell Moses need to put their hands up and lead the side for an important rebound this week. They will be banking on a loud home crowd to help cheer them on.
Embed from Getty ImagesINTERESTING FACT
- The Eels and Roosters have played on 136 occasions. Of those, the Roosters have won 68 and the Eels 63.
- Both sides have won a game a piece at CommBank Stadium.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Parramatta Eels 1-12
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