NRL Round 7 Preview - Eels v Sea Eagles @ ANZ Stadium

Parramatta Eels v Manly Sea Eagles @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - The Eels and Sea Eagles will both be desperate for victory when they clash in a meeting of two struggling sides at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. The Eels were dismal once again last week, going down 18-2 to the Raiders in Canberra to remain winless, with murmurs about dressing room discontent and Brad Arthur’s control of this playing group coming into question. The Sea Eagles put in a wretched performance losing 38-12 to the Tigers, after being booed off at halftime by their own fans after trailing 26-0 at halftime. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The winless Eels welcome back Jarryd Hayne who returns on the wing with Bevan French (shoulder) sidelined. Brad Takairangi (eye) makes a surprise early return at centre with Kirisome Auva'a (ribs) also out. Kane Evans starts at prop and Peni Terepo shifts to lock, with Tepai Moeroa (concussion) also out. Will Smith and David Gower are back on the bench with Beau Scott dropped to the reserves.
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Trent Barrett has stuck with the same 17 despite a listless performance against the Wests Tigers last week. The Manly pack were steamrolled by the Tigers and the likes of Martin Taupau and Joel Thompson need to step up in what is a struggling and inexperienced forward pack in some respects. 
 
Verdict - Parramatta by 4-12

This really is Parramatta’s chance to get a win here. Manly were borderline disgraceful last week at home, and their form on the road this year has been awful. The Eels have been awful just about every week, however with every loss you have to think they will eventually break through. I hate the way both sides are going but I think Manly are vulnerable on the road here to a Parramatta side that surely have to win a game, despite how poorly they are playing. I just have this feeling this is going to be the Eels’ day, although I can’t mount a huge case for them based on form.