NRL Round 7 Preview and Prediction - Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers @ ANZ Stadium

Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers @ ANZ Stadium

Preview - Both the Eels and Tigers are in desperate need of a win when they lock horns in the traditional Easter Monday game at ANZ Stadium. After two highly impressive victories against the Sea Eagles and Dragons to start 2016, the Eels have slumped their way through a shocking 4-game losing streak, culminating in another disappointing 22-10 loss to the Warriors in Auckland last weekend. Central to their problems has been their lack of attacking spark, with the Eels failing to score 20 points in each of their past 4 games. The Tigers put another week of turmoil behind them to get a shock 26-16 victory in Ivan Cleary's first game as Head Coach. The Tigers shot out to a 14-0 lead before defending stoutly in the second half of a game that was riddled by handling errors. 

History - The last 6 meetings between these 2 teams is split at 3 apiece. Last season Parramatta won the corresponding game 8-0 before the Tigers responded with a win later in the season at the same venue. Overall the Eels hold an 18 to 14 win advantage. 

Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - Frank Pritchard is out with injury, meaning Tepai Moeroa starts in the back row in this must-win game for the Eels. Nathan Brown has been a late inclusion at lock the past few weeks and put in some really strong performances, which has relegated Beau Scott to a role on the bench. After a blistering start to the season, Corey Norman has been quiet the past couple of weeks, and he could well be coming up against his halves partner for the rest of the season here in Mitchell Moses. 

Wests Tigers’ Scouting Report - After last week’s huge upset victory over the Cowboys, the Tigers are unchanged for this clash. One of their unsung heroes this year has been hooker Matt McIlwrick who was sensational last week against the Cowboys. McIlwrick has been stout defensively, as well providing a crisp passing game out of dummy half. James Tedesco has tried his heart out the past few weeks, however looks below his best at the moment having not scored a try since Round 1. 

Verdict - Eels 1-12

I'm sticking with the Eels here as I just think they have a big advantage in the forward pack. The Tigers got a win last week, however it was as much to do with the Cowboys’ poor play as it was anything fantastic that they did. Parramatta came into this season with realistic expectations as a Top 8 contender, whilst for me, the Tigers still have too much going on in terms of non-committed players and contract sagas. I expect this game to be pretty close as the Tigers rediscovered a little bit of their attacking mojo last week, with Mitchell Moses having a stormer of a game. Despite the fact he might be headed to Parramatta straight after the game, I am sure he will want to show his new Club what he is all about in this game.