NRL Round 23 Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters Preview

Let the battle for the spoon begin! It is quite obvious that the winner of this game will no doubt be in a very strong position to avoid the wooden spoon at the seasons end. It is definitely not going to be the most exciting game to watch, but for supporters of both clubs it is a chance to gain bragging rights until the two teams meet next season. Both teams have had very disappointing seasons and are trying to salvage anything possible to put a positive spin on their season to date. But they are both going to fall very short in that department. This game will come down to which team wants it more and which team has already switched off and is hanging out for Mad Monday and their end of season trip. By the recent form of both teams, perhaps they both fall into the latter of the two categories. Whilst they have recorded a few wins between them, when the pressure is applied to them they have crumbled. But be sure, games between two teams with nothing to play for can often produce a very exciting, attacking performance. So maybe there is something good to take away from this game. You will just have to wait and see what both teams are capable of producing.

Parramatta Eels

The Eels have to deal with a very short turn around here after a MNF fixture. Because of that, there is no surprise to see an unchanged lineup named for this game. There is no realy news floating around about whether or not certain players will be available but all will be posted on my twitter feed. There were a few positives the Eels can take away from their first half performance as they were able to pile a heap of points onto the Tigers in short succession. No doubt their defensive coach probably would've avoided the video session on Tuesday morning. If the Eels are to win this game, they need to turn up with the right attitude in defence. Their attack can quickly form out of nothing, depending on who is controlling the team. They're in front of their home fans too so maybe the last thing they would want to hand them is a loss.

Sydney Roosters

The Roosters turned up to play last week and were rewarded with an upset victory over the Dragons. If you followed last weeks preview, you would've seen though that it was definitely on the cards. They will look to build on the momentum here and they will have to ask the same players that lifted to another level against the Dragons, to do the same here. There are a few changes to the team. Aidan Guerra is obviously out as he was carried off in the Dragons match with a leg injury and his place is taken by Brad Takairangi. There is a swap between starting a bench players in the forwards as Tinirau Arona is dropped to the bench and Mitch Aubusson is promoted to start in the second row, Boyd Cordner will start at lock. Daniel Mortimer is into the starting side at the expense of Nafe Seluini and Jack Bosden is also named on the extended bench. Everyone was questioning Mitchell Pearce after his failure in SOO and a three try performance certainly silenced those people momentarily. It definitely was a good performance but he has to play consistent footy to even get those people to stay quieter for longer. The young Roosters team is obviously building towards next season but you can see that they're still trying until the end. With or without the rumoured split within their playing/coaching ranks, on their day they can be as dangerous as ever.

Recent History

Overall = Eels 59 - Draw 5 - Roosters 58

Last 5 games = Eels 1 - Roosters 4

At Parramatta Stadium = Eels 9 - Roosters 11

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Eels $2.05 Roosters $1.80
Centrebet = Eels $2.15 Roosters $1.73
Sportsbet = Eels $2.08 Roosters $1.77
Betfair = Eels $2.20 Roosters $1.80

Verdict

As suggested by the bookies prices listed above, this game is going to be a tough one to call. Ultimately, it will come down to the team that has momentum and is looking to build some momentum for next season. At the moment, the Eels are coming of a smacking at the hands of the Tigers who themselves have struggled of late. The Roosters recorded a good, positive win over the Dragons. The Roosters look to be too strong here but a lot is on offer for Parramatta to drag themselves off the bottom of the table. So who is more desperate for the win? The winner obviously, but in picking one, the Roosters look in the best position to win this match.

Suggested Bet
Roosters @ $1.80

Tri Bet = Roosters Over 6.5 points @ $2.70 - The Eels defence last week was woeful to say the least and if the same happens here this score could get to anything. But with a reluctance to pick a margin, this seems like a better option with some value added.

Rookie with talent = Roger Tuivasa-Sheck First ($13) and/or Last ($13) Try Scorer - This kid has been given an opportunity at first grade and he hasn't disappointed. He is full of confidence and opposition teams are yet to work him out. He can definitely pop up at the right moment.

Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips