The second match on Friday night continues the rivalry between Sydney’s west and the northern beaches, igniting a feud which dates back to the 80’s. The Eels will be hosting the Sea Eagles, with both teams aiming to bounce back from a loss in Round 10.
Despite their standing on the ladder, each team will be trying to prove a point against one another. This betting preview will hopefully have you covered ahead an exciting weekend of sporting action. Stay tuned for all NRL Betting Previews via Before You Bet, as well as a host of other sports as the weather cools down across the country.
Parramatta Eels vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
CommBank Stadium, Friday 20th May, 7:55pm (EST)
Squads
Parramatta Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Hayze Perham 3. Will Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’I 13. Ryan Matterson Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Marata Niukore 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jake Arthur
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Sean Keppie 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Schuster 16. Martin Taupau 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Kurt De Luis
Match Preview
The Eels were disappointing in their 31-24 loss to the Roosters, only showing passages of positivity that troubled (what appeared to be) an inferior opponent. It left many wondering how the same team can defeat the Panthers and the Storm yet lose to the Roosters. The two issues were their inability to score points at the end of attacking sets, while their usually resolute defence was far from its best.
The Sea Eagles had a more difficult time of it against the Broncos, embarrassed as the favourites 38-nil. Not only were they poor with the ball, their ’big named’ players struggled. Tommy Turbo looked lame, while DCE had no platform set by his forwards. A similar performance in coming weeks will only lead to the same result.
The Eels are favourites ($1.40 v $3) and appear better placed to bounce back from a loss. There is a suggestion that they were fatigued following a tough performance against the Panthers the week before. Regardless, they are a better team than their Round 10 effort suggests. The jury is still out on the Sea Eagles though; players weren’t at their best, but you need to be wary of this team when they employ ‘the siege mentality’.
It’s interesting to note that they have the 11th ranked defence in the competition averaging 23 points per game; their defence is letting them down at it needs to change. Returning home and proving capable on more occasions than their opponents, the Eels have more upside. It’s a tough choice but we are going to keep it simple and invest on the line and a few prop bets to keep things interesting. There are clearer matches this weekend to invest upon.
Same Game Multis
Eels H2H/Brown Anytime Try ($3.50 at Ladbrokes)
Eels H2H/Moses & Matterson Anytime Try ($15 at Ladbrokes)
