Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 4 clash between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Wests Tigers
Venue: CommBank Stadium
Date: Monday April 1, 4:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Brendan Hands 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Bailey Simonsson
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Asu Kepaoa 17. Samuela Fainu 18. Justin Matamua 19. Latu Fainu 20. Alexander Lobb 21. Brent Naden 22. Tallyn Da Silva
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Easter weekend of football caps off with a western Sydney battle with the Parramatta Eels hosting their rivals the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium. The Eels have well and truly had the Tigers number over the years, having won nine of their last ten encounters between the two but this clash could be absolutely anything.
The Eels have started strongly this season with their only loss so far coming at the hands of the juggernaut that is the Penrith Panthers. Dylan Brown is now tasked with guiding the home side around the park following the injury to Mitch Moses. Brown’s move to the other side of the field to link up with Cartwright (should he take the field) could provide plenty of points for the home side.
The Tigers looked like a brand new outfit last week and are fresh off of an impressive victory over the Sharks. The side bounced back from their first loss of the season with a strong showing and will want to keep that momentum rolling into yet another game they go into as the underdogs. The guile and experience of Apisai Koroisau around the ruck will expose any slow efforts from the tiring Parramatta middles and he will take every chance to keep his side on the front foot.
Both of these sides have some exciting youngsters donning the six jersey who are brimming with confidence having hit the ground running in their so far brief NRL careers. For the Tigers, Lachlan Galvin has had the full confidence of coach Benji Marshall and looks every bit the first grader Marshall said he was during the pre-season. While lining up on the other side of the field is Blaize Talagi, who debuted at centre last week and scored a try by bulldozing Tom Trbojevic but will line up in the halves in just his second game in the NRL.
The lack of an outright organising half for the Eels could cause them some troubles if they get sucked into a shootout with what is sure to be an enthusiastic Tigers outfit. expect plenty of offensive firepower to be on display.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 4 Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Tigers by 8 points.
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