Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 26 clash between the Eels and Dragons.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Saturday August 31st, 3:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Blaize Talagi, 5. Sean Russell, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Daejarn Asi, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Brendan Hands, 10. Shaun Lane, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Joe Ofahengaue, 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Makahesi Makatoa, 16. Luca Moretti, 17. Dan Keir, 18. Jake Tago, 19. Matt Doorey, 20. Ethan Sanders, 21. Morgan Harper, 22. Ofahiki Ogden
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Zac Lomax, 3. Mathew Feagai, 4. Max Feagai, 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Jack Bird, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Jack de Belin, 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Tom Eisenhuth, 14. Toby Couchman, 15. Ryan Couchman, 16. Blake Lawrie, 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 18. Lyhkan King-Togia, 19. Mikaele Ravalawa, 20. Michael Molo, 21. Connor Muhleisen, 22. Moses Suli
Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
In their final home game of the season, the Eels will be looking to give their members and fans something to cheer for. Meanwhile, the Dragons are in must-win territory if they hope to make the finals in 2024. It won’t officially be Spring for another day; however, Sydney promises to be sunny, hot and dry for this afternoon affair, promising an entertaining game.
The Eels found a way to lose, yet again, after putting together a promising lead against the Broncos. Up 16-0, their inexperience stuttered at key moments, which the Broncos were good enough to take advantage of. Though fans are probably tired of giving their depleted side a pat on the back, the efforts and attitude are there, but the class is not.
Meanwhile, the Dragons were beaten comprehensively by local rivals, the Sharks. With a bad for-and-against, they can’t afford to be on the same points as another side in 8th – they need to win the next two games to be a chance. With the Eels out of form and struggling, coach Shane Flanagan will emphasise the importance of putting their best foot forward this week.
Trent Barrett has made only one change, with Luca Moretti coming into the team after dropping out late last week due to injury. Similarly, the Dragons have opted for the one change, with Raymond Faitala-Mariner joining the bench. Moses Suli has been named as a reserve and may feature in a late reshuffle.
This shapes as an attacking-centred game. Neither side has been excellent in defence, offering plenty of opportunities for points. The weather and conditions will only complement this.
The Eels edges need to find a way to defend if they’re any hope. The edges were exploited against the Broncos to great effect, which has been their Achilles heel for many years. Undoubtedly, the Dragons will target the combination of Maika Sivo and Blaize Talagi, the former of which has known defensive woes, and the latter who is still learning the game at the highest level.
Meanwhile, the Dragons should look to Ben Hunt to out-kick the Eels. With the Eels missing their star half-back, Mitch Moses, for most of the season, Daejarn Asi has struggled to consistently perform the role to a high level. Last week, his kicks were often too high and short, putting little pressure on the Broncos. If Hunt plays to his ability, his skill at managing a game will be heads and shoulders above anything the opposition has to offer.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Eels by 10.
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