NRL Round 8 Preview - Eels v Tigers @ ANZ Stadium

Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers @ ANZ Stadium - 
 
Preview - The Eels will be looking to get some momentum going, after finally claiming their first win of the season, when they take on the Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. After a wretched 0-6 start to the season, the Eels clicked into gear, belting a hapless Manly 44-10 at ANZ Stadium to give their season a ray of hope. The Tigers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, going down 22-20 to Newcastle courtesy of a last minute try by Shaun Kenny Dowell. Despite the loss, the Tigers remain in a decent spot at 5-2 on the year. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels will be missing Jarryd Hayne once again who will miss at least a month with the recurrence of his hip injury. Bevan French has been named to return from his shoulder complaint and replaces Hayne on the wing. Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman found some form last week finally as the Eels’ forwards dominated Manly through the middle in their thumping win. 
 
Wests Tigers’ Scouting Report - The Tigers welcome back one of their captains with Chris Lawrence fit to return in the back row, moving Josh Aloiai to the bench.Elijah Taylor has failed his HIA test and is replaced by Tim Grant.  Bench pop Alex Twal will miss one week with minor injury, with Suaso Sue set to retain his place on the bench. 
 
Verdict - Eels by 1-8

 I hate to say this as a Tigers’ fan but I think the Eels might be getting the Tigers at the right time. The Tigers have a few players a bit banged up at the moment, and put in a tired performance against Newcastle. Despite only losing by 2 points, they did go down 5 tries to 3 and showed defensive frailties in the ruck and out wide that they have not shown so far this season. I think this will be a really hard fought game, but I just think with the Eels getting that shot of confidence, and Gutherson adding to their attacking game, the Eels might sneak home and get another win on the board.