The NRL will take centre stage on Monday afternoon, with Sydney’s west hosting a blockbuster encounter between the Eels and Tigers. Usually reserved for a larger stadium, this game will experience a bumper crowd at CommBank Stadium. Tickets will be at a premium and so too will be the on-field action.
Before You Bet is here to guide you through what lies ahead in this contest. With excitement plus promised on the field, only finding a winner could make this contest more enjoyable.
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 4 Preview & Betting Tips
Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers
CommBank Stadium – Monday 1st April – 4pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Eels outlasted the Sea Eagles last week in a grinding, yet exciting contest. Unable to split the two team before the match, punters were unsure just how this match would play out. Excitement was high and the Eels delivered (and held strong in defence) when it mattered most. They overcame an 18-16 HT deficit through measured play; in the end they completed at 82% and missed 29 tackles. The effort was great considering it also came after a bruising match the week before against the Panthers. Though they will want to improve on several areas (allowing 6 line breaks) moving forward.
The Tigers played with spirit in their upset 32-6 victory over the Sharks. Winning narrowly when unexpected is one thing, completely outclassing their opponents is another level altogether. They were brilliantly led by Koroisau at hooker; the difference this week was that others in the team supported him in multiple ways. It wasn’t long into this match before you could see the confidence begin to grow within this team. They controlled possession (53%) and had a high completion rate (86%), both of which gave limited opportunities to their opponents. They will want to be better in defence though; they still missed 38 tackles for the match. Nevertheless, they will take confidence away from that victory and that can only be a positive factor moving forward.
Match Prediction
News that the Eels will be without halfback Mitchell Moses for a significant amount of time has done little to hurt their chances in this contest. They are still strong favourites ($1.47 vs $2.70) with many overlooking the performance of the Tigers in their match against the Sharks last week. The return of Sivo on the wing has allowed for a reshuffle to take place, with Brown named at halfback and rookie Talagi being named at 5/8. It is an interesting one which allows Brown to direct the team with some stability and familiarity. The Tigers are unchanged (aside from a bench spot) for this game and will be rely heavily on the positive contribution of Koroisau and co again.
The key to this game may rest in the history; the Eels have a far superior record at this ground (63% vs 34%) and boast a strong recent record against the Tigers. They have won 9 out of the past 10 against them, with their sole loss coming back in this corresponding fixture in 2022. To see a similar outcome occur would be surprising, but do not underestimate the influence of Moses on this team or the toll which their match last week would’ve taken on them. In a sign that the Tigers are improving, the past 3 matches have been decided by 8 points or less, with this game likely to throw up another tight contest. This provides the opportunity to invest on the Tigers with a strong line in their favour. This option allows for an upset victory but, if the Eels are successful, ensures a tight contest. Not much value is on offer so look to include this option along with a few others this weekend.
Tigers +10.5
$1.60 (2 Units)
