Nathan Smith previews the Friday night encounter between the Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys. Here’s what we have to look forward to…
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Commbank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Friday May 26th, 8:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Wiremu Greig 9. Josh Hodgson 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Matt Doorey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ofahiki Ogden 15. Brendan Hands 16. Luca Moretti 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Daejarn Asi 19. Haze Dunster 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Jack Murchie 22. Isaac Lumelume
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Robert Derby 6. Ben Hampton 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Heilum Luki 13. Jake Granville 14. Jack Gosiewski 15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Griffin Neame 18. Mitchell Dunn 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Thomas Duffy 22. Jason Taumalolo
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The last time these two teams met, they were playing each other for a spot in the 2022 Grand Final. Fast forward to this year, and both sides find themselves in the bottom eight, fighting for an opportunity to play finals footy.
The Eels broke a two-game losing streak with a huge win over one of the premiership favourites, the Rabbitohs. In what was easily one of their strongest performances of the year, they offered a reminder to the competition that though the results haven’t gone their way in the opening quarter of the season, they aren’t completely ruled out.
The Cowboys’ performance last week couldn’t be a greater contrast. They were on the back of a 66-point shellacking by the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. It’s one that coach Todd Payten will want to move on from as soon as possible, and there’s no better way than getting one up on the side that dashed their premiership dreams in 2022.
Both sides will be without some cattle. For the Eels, they will miss Junior Paulo (State of Origin), Ryan Matterson (calf) and Andrew Davey (head knock). Joe Ofahengaue arrives just in time in a mid-season transfer from the Tigers and will be in the unique situation of playing the Cowboys for the second straight week. Meanwhile, Matt Doorey will return to the side for the first time since Round 9, and Luca Moretti makes his NRL debut from the bench.
The Cowboys will be missing Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden (State of Origin). This brings in two debutants in Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby. Furthermore, Ben Hampton will play five-eighth and Jake Granville lock. Jason Taumololo has been listed as a reserve and could yet be a late inclusion.
For the Eels, a win is vital. Leading into their first bye of the year, this essentially shapes as a four-point game. Last week they limited handling errors and defended far better than they have all year. Though their forward pack is not at full strength, they will be relishing the opportunity to unleash their unscathed backline on the Cowboys relatively inexperienced one.
The Cowboys will be playing with a determination to reverse the embarrassment of last week. With some key outs across the side, it will be up to some of their experienced players such as Chad Townsend to rally the troops and get them up for this one.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Eels 5, Cowboys 5
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 14
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