NRL Round 2 Preview and Prediction - St George Illawarra Dragons v Parramatta Eels @ WIN Stadium

 St George Illawarra Dragons v Parramatta Eels @ WIN Stadium
 
Preview - We get an early blockbuster here as the two most impressive teams in Round 1 in the Dragons and Eels lock horns at Win Stadium in Wollongong. The Dragons came out and ambushed the Panthers, winning 42-10 in their most impressive attacking performance in over two years under Head Coach Paul McGregor. The Dragons were despised outsiders coming into this season, having put in a shocking performance in the Charity Shield, however, in front of their home fans at Kogarah, they steamrolled the Panthers down the middle of the field and played far more direct and with some good second phase offloads. Parramatta lacked the flair of the Dragons in Round 1, however they were impressive for different reasons in their 20-12 victory over the Sea Eagles. The physicality of their pack, and the performances of some their key players, really suffocated Manly as the Eels started the season free from the turmoil which surrounded them last season.
 
History - Parramatta have been on a roll against the Dragons of late, having won the past four encounters between the Clubs. However, they have not won in Wollongong since way back in 2001, losing their past 4 matches at the venue. Overall there is little between the two Clubs with St George-Illawarra having 15 victories to Parramatta’s 14, with 2 draws.
 
St George-Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report – Unsurpisingly, Paul McGregor has named an unchanged line-up for this clash. I was really impressed with the Dragons new signings up front in Cameron McInnes and Paul Vaughn in their debuts for the club. McInnes looked sharp and incisive out of dummy half, whilst Paul Vaughn really laid a great platform with some great charges in the opening exchanges. That laid the foundation for some of the Dragons’ biggest name players to put their mark on the game. It was the most energy and passion I have seen Gareth Widdop and Josh Dugan play with in a long time, and maybe a fire has been lit under both of these big earning players coming into Round 1. I also thought Jack De Belin was the Dragons’ best player last season and he had a monster game, getting some offloads away, scoring a try and proving a real handful to bring down. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - Brad Arthur has also remained loyal to his 17 that did the job last week against the Sea Eagles. Corey Norman is a player I expected to go to another level in 2017, and I thought he was fantastic last week at Brookvale Oval. Norman's short kicking game was unbelievable as he forced the Sea Eagles into 4 goal line drop outs, as well as scoring a try himself, and kicking a miraculous 40/20. I thought Semi Radradra looked extremely fit and motivated, running the ball with real conviction, and the chase where he ran down Brian Kelly in an instant shows the remarkable pace Radradra possesses when in full flight. Clint Gutherson and Bevan French both showed some really nice touches in the spine, whilst I thought Manu Ma’u was really strong again and is one of the most underrated back rowers in the NRL.
 
Verdict - Eels by 1-8 in slow scoring game  
 
I have no doubt this is going to be a really physical and tight encounter. However, I don't think there is any way the Dragons’ forwards are going to ambush, steam roll and dictate terms against this pack like they did against Penrith in Week 1 . Parramatta, for mine, have close to the toughest pack in the game, and I think if they can match the Dragons up front, they have more weapons outside that can get the job done. I don't think it will phase Parramatta going to Win Stadium, as they have already won at a tough, suburban away ground at Brookvale Oval seven days earlier. I just think there is a lot more chance of someone like Corey Norman backing up and putting another 5-star performance than the Dragons’ halfback in Josh McCrone. I’m expecting this game to be relatively low scoring and decided in the final 20 minutes. However, I tipped the Eels to finish in the Top 4 this season so I expect them to just have a bit too much quality for the Dragons in the end.