NRL Round 13 Parramatta Eels v Cronulla Sharks Preview

Without a game of NRL in Sydney on Sunday afternoon, MNF makes an appearance out at Parramatta as the Eels host the Sharks. The Eels are glued to the bottom of the table this season but did show are more committed performance last week when narrowly going down to the Dragons away. Perhaps a team that was playing with confidence in their ability would have been able to get through that tough game. But that run of bad luck pretty much sums up their season thus far. That isn't saying that luck has been the major contributor to the Eels play this season. They have been terrible at times to say the least and perhaps the less said about their season, the better. Cronulla on the other hand have been great. They sit at the right end of the table and Coach Stuart Flanaghan has his players buying into his theory of play and busting their guts for him each week. I must say with all that this club has endured in recent years, they definitely deserve to be where they are this season. Coming into this game, the Sharks have had a much needed bye. Two weeks ago when they went down to the Bulldogs they looked terribly tired and they were also without their SOO stars Paul Gallen and Todd Carney. Although both are selected for NSW (Sunday afternoon at 5pm), they will play in this one. They will be looking to get through this one injury free but will also want a win before anything.

Parramatta Eels

Each time I have previewed the Eels this season, I have focused a lot on everything else other than their team for the week. So I won't need to go over where they are, at this point of the season. Fact is, they sit last, need a win and need to play with pride. They do receive some good news with Reni Maitua returning to the team after a few weeks away from the game. He will start the game at lock. Unfortunately they have lost Casey McGuire for the remainder of the season with a pectoral injury. But they do recall Ben Roberts from NSW Cup to take his place at 5/8.

Cronulla Sharks

Most importantly to the Sharks is the return of inspirational skipper Paul Gallen and play maker Todd Carney following SOO 1. They do also have John Williams replaced by Nathan Stapleton on the wing. Gallen was again unbelievable in his performance in that game and there aren't enough superlatives to describe his performance. But contrastingly different was the match that Todd Carney played. I heard coach Flanaghan interviewed about Carneys performance and he said that they actually sat down together to watch and deconstruct the game. It was interesting to note that in doing so, Carney mentioned that he tried to get involved in the game early but it all went very quickly and before he knew it, 20 minutes had gone by and he hadn't even touched the ball yet. Many have criticised his performance in that game but I dare you to do so because we all know what he is capable of. He doesn't have to worry about being dropped because he hasn't. He will come out and look to not only steer his team to victory but also put the opposition away early and get through this one as easy as possible.

Recent History

Overall = Eels 35 - Sharks 40

Last 5 games = Eels 2 - Sharks 3

At Parramatta Stadium = Eels 8 - Sharks 12

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Eels $2.50 Sharks $1.55

Centrebet = Eels $2.67 Sharks $1.50

Sportsbet = Eels $2.55 Sharks $1.50

Verdict

On form this season, you would be a brave person to take the Eels in this one. Cronulla have been great in all parts of the game and have been playing with a great attitude in defence. They should again be hard to break down. If they were to be broken down, Jarryd Hayne would be the man to do it as he starts to find some good form again after SOO 1. Still, the NRL requires a team performance! Cronulla are playing like a team this season and I will back them to continue it on again in this one.

Suggested Bet

Cronulla 1-12 @ $2.75

Pomeroy Bet = 1st Try Scorer ($13) and/or Last Try Scorer ($13) - In game this season Pomeroy has scored the first try for the Sharks twice (once first in the overall game) and been the last try scorer 3 times (last overall in the game twice). So why not chuck him in for this game as well?

Tri Bet Option = Cronulla Over 6.5 points @ $2 - The Sharks are giving away 5.5 start (@ $1.90) to the Eels so why not take an extra bit of the Cherry and have them to win by 7 or more and get added value.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips