NRL Round 13 Preview and Prediction - Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors @ ANZ Stadium

Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors @ ANZ Stadium 
 
Preview - The Parramatta Eels will be looking to jump back in the Top 8 when they take on the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium on Friday night. The Eels have had an up and down season with 6 wins and 6 losses, however were mighty impressive in dismantling South Sydney 22-16 last Friday night at the same venue. The Eels, minus Corey Norman and Michael Jennings, bashed Souths in the forwards, before Mitchell Moses had an excellent game in just his second game for the Club. The Warriors steadied the ship with a comfortable win against a Broncos’ side missing their Origin players after chastising losses to the Panthers and Dragons. The Warriors sit one game behind the Eels at 5 and 7 and traditionally hit their straps and string some wins together during this Origin period. 
 
History - Earlier this season back in Round 6, the Warriors put in one of their best performances of the season in beating the Eels 22-10 at Mount Smart Stadium. The Warriors have had the wood on the Eels in recent times, winning 4 of the past 5 encounters between the sides. Interestingly, this will be just the second time since the Warriors lost the Grand Final in 2011 that they have been back to ANZ Stadium. Overall the Eels have 20 wins to the Warriors 17 in head to head meetings. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - After missing Round 12 with a rib injury, Nathan Brown returns from a rib injury to further stiffen the Eels’ pack. With Bevan French back at fullback, Clint Gutherson had his best game in the Number 6 jumper last week having a hand in a couple of tries and looking lively in his combination with Mitchell Moses. When Corey Norman returns, the Eels will need to find a place for Gutherson in the centres or on the wing given the energy he brings to the side each week
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report – Despite being impressive on the wing last week against the Broncos, Charles Nichols-Komstad makes way for the returning Solomone Kata. The Warriors’ forwards were far more aggressive and direct last week with the likes of Ben Matulino and James Gavet laying a great platform, something they had not been doing in recent games. I'm sure Kieran Foran will be in for a hot reception from the Eels’ fans, however he has already starred once against the Eels this season and his performances will be key to the Warriors’ chances again on Friday night. 
 
Verdict - Parramatta by 6-14 in a high scoring game

There is no way I can tip the Warriors playing in Australia at the moment. They are yet to win away from their home country this season and have suffered some shocking collapses on the road. Despite saying that, they would have taken some confidence from that dominant victory over the Broncos and, on talent alone, they are a match for this Parramatta side on paper. I just think Parramatta is far more likely to compete for 80 minutes and get on top in the forwards. They suffer fewer mental lapses than the Warriors and, whilst I expect this game to be fairly tight, I think the Eels at home will just be a little more consistent and reliable than the Warriors and win this game by 1-2 tries.