NRL Round 6 Preview and Prediction - New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels @ Mount Smart Stadium
New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels @ Mount Smart Stadium
Preview - The Warriors will be searching for back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they take on the slumping Eels at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Warriors overturned a 10-point half time deficit last week to come over the top of the Titans 28-22 for a much-needed victory, after 3 losses from their opening 4 games. The Eels led the competition after two rounds, however have fallen in a deep hole losing their past 3 matches to slip out of the Top 8 coming into this game. The Eels were competitive and had their moments against the Raiders, however the 30-18 defeat was brought about by too many simple errors and giving up a few cheap tries, just as they were getting back into the contest.
History - Parramatta have won just 6 from 17 at Mount Smart Stadium overall, however they did trounce the Warriors 40-18 there in Round 26 last season. The Warriors had won the previous 3 clashes between the teams before that game. Overall, the Eels have won 20 to the Warriors 16.
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - The Warriors finally have some stability about their team with Kieran Foran back in their five-eight role. There is no doubt this game is going to have plenty of extra niggle attached to it given the way Foran backed out of his contract with Parramatta. The Warriors really need a win here to get to 3-3, given 5 of their first 6 games have been in New Zealand this year.
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels have suffered a big blow on the eve of this game with gun young fullback Bevan French likely to miss a month with a knee complaint. Clint Gutherson is likely to push back to fullback and Brad Takairangi a chance of filling in at five eight. The Eels’ senior players really have to lift their game here, especially their front row, which has been a bit off their game the past few weeks led by Tim Mannah.
Verdict - Parramatta by 1-6
I'll stick with Parramatta in this game, however the loss of Bevan French is a concern. I still don't quite trust the Warriors’ form given their 23 victories this year have come against Newcastle and an injury depleted Titans’ outfit. Both of those games they pulled out of the fire late, so they could easily be sitting here at 0-5. The Eels have been disappointing the past few weeks, however I just think they can grind out an 80-minute performance here and play with some extra motivation to want to get some revenge on Kieran Foran. If the Eels are on their game defensively I think they can frustrate the Warriors and, after 3 straight losses, they desperately need a victory here.