After a very interesting round of fixtures, Monday Night Footy hots up out at Campbelltown as the Wests Tigers host an Eels side that is pushing to get themselves off the bottom of the table. They've played well in recent weeks and have deserved their upset victories against two Top 8 sides. This has all come after the sacking of coach Stephen Kearney and the hiring of Ricky Stuart for 2013 and beyond. What is disappointing to see is the same players who were under performing under Kearny now seem to be playing above their means. So where was this form to begin with? Maybe many have been put on notice with the impending arrival of Stuart, that their contracts may be null and void if they don't fit into his plans. Make sense to play for you future now. At the start of this season, many would have looked ahead to this game with great excitement and anticipation but after a very disappointing season by both teams standards, interest has disappeared. The Tigers have failed to live up to the preseason hype and billing as competition favorites. While they have definitely been affected by injuries, they still should be sitting higher on the ladder. But after results went their way in other NRL games this weekend, a win could propel them back into the Top 8. A loss wouldn't be disastrous as they still would be in contention, but they have an appalling "for and against" at the moment which has them behind all teams they're level on points with. Fans will be hoping for a dominating performance and those that brave the cold of Sydneys west will be treated to a good clash. The Tigers are desperate and need to pull things together in this game, otherwise the Eels will get the jump on them and could spring an upset.
Wests Tigers
Again there is doubt over the fitness of some players leading into this clash. Keith Galloway and Tim Moltzen will have to under go a fitness test to see if they can take their spot in the side. In terms of the changes for the team from last week, Marika Koroibete is named to start on the wing and Beau Ryan shifts into the centre as Chris Lawrence is out injured. Liam Fulton will play 5/8 with Curtis Sironen out through injury and Benji Marshall will play at half. As Galloway is named in the pack, Adam Blair moves back to the second row which covers Fulton's move to the halves. The Tigers have also called upon Tim Simona on the bench to replace Ben Murdoch-Masila who is also out through injury. The only thing the Tiges should worry about is their own form. They certainly have a very good forward pack but they were delivered a "wake up call" last week as they were pounded by the Rabbitohs. Their pride also took a hit and if they are to win, the forwards must control and win the game for them. Be sure that having Farrah at hooker will definitely help their cause and he will be in for a big game after demonstrating how disappointed he was last week. Its time for the Tigers to stand up and press their claim for a finals spot.
Parramatta Eels
No surprises that there is no changes to the starting team that got the job done against the Broncos last Monday night. It was a very spirited performance but whilst they still have a long way to go to claw back some credibility, it certainly did help. The one change that does occur is on the extended bench where Justin Horo has been recalled to the team but could also be dropped prior to the kick off. Having consistency will definitely help the Eels and they should still focus on their final fixtures and hope they win to perhaps send Hindmarsh and Burt off in their last season without winning the wooden spoon. You can never be sure how they will turn up though and as they're going for 3 wins in a row, they could get ahead of themselves. They have no excuses anymore and should aim to take the fight to the Tigers in the forwards.
Recent History
Overall = Tigers 9 - Draw 1 - Eels 15
Last 5 games = Tigers 4 - Eels 1
At Campbelltown Sports Ground = Never played
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Tigers $1.60 Eels $2.40
Centrebet = Tiges $1.62 Eels $2.35
Sportsbet = Tigers $1.57 Eels $2.45
Betfair = Tigers $1.63 Eels $2.54
Verdict
I still need one more week to look at the Eels before deciding whether or not I will invest some money on them. Yes they have had some very good victories in their past two starts but that will mean nothing unless they turn up ready to play. On the other hand, you have the Tigers who need a win here to remain in touch with the 8, or even move into it. People are saying that the Tigers are not far away but they need to get moving soon. This will be a very close game with a lot of points scored so aim to bet in and around that, with the Tigers being too strong.
Suggested Bet
Tiger 1-12 @ $3
Narrow Victory = Tigers 1-6 @ $5.50 - If this is going to be a close run thing, you may want to consider being more specific on the winning margin of 1-12 and go for a little more value with this option. Also consider 7-12 @ $5.50 if you think it will be more than a converted try in this.
Even then victory = HT/FT Draw/Tigers @ $17 - Plenty of value here and it is definitely a long shot, but worth the consideration. The Tigers can lead from start to finish but that is only paying $2.20.
Good luck!
Scooby
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