The magnitude of this game is certainly going to be felt come the final whistle as 4 players retire from NRL football. It is also a great sign of the appreciation that fans have for their favorite players and just what is takes to be a regular NRL first grader. Who would've thought that a game in Round 26 which features two sides who are out of contention for the 2012 premiership would draw the biggest crowd. There will be a great atmosphere out at ANZ Stadium and even though there has been a lot made over the shift from Parramatta Stadium, the fans have been rewarded and will have one last chance to say goodbye. Both sides have had extremely disappointing seasons and a lot of changes will be made (hopefully) during the off season. Parramatta are going to be transformed by the arrival of Ricky Stuart as head coach. Under performing players will be put on notice or even sacked to wake them up from their slumber. Performance is everything in the NRL and people will not tolerate another poor season. The Dragons also have a lot of water to pass under the bridge but it appears as though they could be stuck in their rut for a few seasons yet. Coach Steve Price is under a mountain of pressure and could even be sacked in the off season. There also isn't many changes being made to their roster so where will their spark come from? That is what the offseason will hopefully unearth for them. If not, another dismal season lies ahead and they could have regular "nothing games". If there wasn't the four players retiring this season, this game would be a "nothing contest" and it wouldn't generate any interest amongst NRL fans. That is where the punters come into the fold, it is still an opportunity to have a bet and win some money. So lets move past all the sentimental feeling around this game, stop giving hugs and put the tissues away! Let's win some money!
Parramatta Eels
The Eels players are trying to impress future coach Ricky Stuart with their performances but some of them have a long way to go. Last week the Eels were comprehensively beaten by a Rabbitohs team that muscled their way around the field. It was evident from watching that game that a lot of the player need an attitude change and something more to play for. There will definitely be a collective sigh of relief when the final whistle goes in terms of it ending a painful season. Chris Sandow hasn't lived up to his price tag and is obviously struggling to play alongside other individual players withint the side. The forwards are also a pack which has failed to assert their dominance in many games this season. That has made things tougher for Sandow and the other outside backs. In terms of the side this week, there is no change to the starting 13 but there is one change to the bench. Casey McGuire has been recalled to the bench at the expense of Justin Poore. This change could be aimed at giving hooker Nathan Smith a rest throughout the game but that would be a bad decision as he has been one of the positives to come out of this season with his performances.
St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons are riding high after a very dominating display over the Warriors. It would've been frustrating for Dragons fans that an effort like that took until the second last game in the season to be shown. Then again, it was only the Warriors. Nonetheless, you can only beat what is in front of you. It was an attacking performance that saw the Dragons backs have room to move and create try scoring opportunities out of nothing. This was set up by the forwards running strongly and breaking the advantage line with each carry. Coach Price has persisted with relatively the same squad all season, surprising most by not "blooding" a few younger players for some experience. This has not changed here as he is gone with the same squad just a few changes to its make up. Matt Prior is promoted to the starting side in the second row while Will Matthews shifts back to the bench. Cameron King is also a new face on the extended bench of 6 but he is expected to drop out prior to kick off along with Jack Stockwell.
Recent History
Overall = Eels 11 - Draw 2 - Dragons 12
Last 5 games = Eels 0 - Draw 1 - Dragons 4
At ANZ Stadium = Eels 2 - Dragons 1
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Eels $2.10 Dragons $1.75
Centrebet = Eels $2.05 Dragons $1.80
Sportsbet = Eels $2.00 Dragons $1.85
Betfair = Eels $2.12 Dragons $1.87
Sportingbet = Eels $2.05 Dragons $1.80
Verdict
You can see both sides lifting for this game as a result of the departing players. Makes sense any way because there is nothing else to play for. On paper the Dragons are the stronger side and should get a win, but the Eels will not let it happen easily. You can almost see this game being a very tough draw and rugby league being the real winner (sentimental stuff is running high!). For the sake of picking a winner though (I cannot believe I am tipping this side as I don't think that I've tipped them all year!), I am going to say Parramatta (cringe). You will see these sides lift to another level that they have not been at this year so expect a very close game as well.
Suggested Bet
Eels @ $2.12 (with Betfair)
Close game = Eels 1-12 @ $3.75 - It will be a game that is close and emotions will be running high. Take the Eels to get home in a close one. If your are thinking St George though, 1-12 for them would be my choice as well @ $3.25.
Make a precise call = Eels 1-6 @ $6.50 - No more explanation needed on this point, it's all listed above.
Just a suggestion = Why not cash in on the event and take one of the retiring stars to score either first or last try for a "fairytale" to come true?
Good luck!
Scooby
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