NRL Round 4 Preview and Prediction - Parramatta Eels v Cronulla Sharks @ ANZ Stadium

Parramatta Eels v Cronulla Sharks @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - The Eels finally get to welcome in their new home for the next three seasons as they host the Sharks at ANZ Stadium.  The Eels have been the road warriors in the opening three weeks, registering two impressive victories at Brookvale and Wollongong before a poor performance saw them crash to their first defeat of the season on the Gold Coast last Friday night. The Eels really missed influential halfback Corey Norman as they slumped to a 26-14 loss after leading 12-0. Whilst Norman was clearly missed in attack, I thought some of Parramatta’s other senior players had really poor games and, having got out to that lead, it was really a lack of intensity and concentration that cost them more than anything. The Sharks are reeling somewhat after another disappointing home display saw them slump to a surprise 16-10 loss to bitter rivals the Dragons at Shark Park. The Sharks lacked energy in the first half and, despite a second half lift in intensity, failed to overrun the 14-0 deficit they had dug themselves into in the first half. 
 
History - The Sharks have won 2 of their last 3 matches against the Eels, and won the only clash between the two sides last year 34-24 at Shark Park. In nine of the last 10 matches between the sides, there has been over 40 points scored, with a combined 58 points scored in their last 2 clashes. 

Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels welcome back their talisman Corey Norman who was sorely missed on the Gold Coast last week. The Eels looked far less threatening inside the opponents’ twenty with Jeff Robson, after Norman’s blistering start to the season, last week. Also for the Eels, Frank Pritchard replaces the suspended Tepai Moeroa in the back row.  

Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks have named hooker James Segeyaro on an extended bench however Shane Flanagan has indicated he will probably wait another week before debuting him. At his best, Segeyaro is an electric dummy half that can be dangerous with his running  game and passing game. However his form dropped right off at Penrith early last season. With Sosaia Feki fit to return, he wins a place on the wing with big Edrick Lee relegated to Reserve Grade after some poor performances, especially with his hands, over the opening three weeks. 
 
Verdict - Parramatta 1-8 in a low scoring, physical game
 
I think, along with the Broncos and Raiders, this will be the game of the round. Both these teams I had in my Top 8 this season, and they will be smarting coming off really substandard performances last week. I think with Corey Norman back in the halves, Parramatta are a top 4 outfit, and I just think they have more defence resolve than the Sharks at the minute. I expect this to be a tough and uncompromising battle in the middle of the field with both big name packs on a slippery surface at ANZ looking to rebound from poor games last week. I think, while the Sharks won the Grand Final at ANZ Stadium last year, they won't enjoy a huge amount of support out there and the wet track will suit Parramatta more than a Cronulla side that likes to throw the ball around a bit more.