NRL Round 24 Preview and Prediction - Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans @ ANZ Stadium

Parramatta Eels (5th) v Gold Coast Titans (14th) @ ANZ Stadium

Preview - The Eels will be looking to bounce back from a shock loss to the Knights as they host the celling Titans on Thursday night at ANZ Stadium. The Eels’ spectacularly blew the chance to move into the Top 4, losing 28-12 in a game in which they were thoroughly outplayed by an enthusiastic Knights’ outfit. The Titans continued their miserable form as they were thumped again 42-16 by the Dragons at Kogarah. With Neil Henry and Jarryd Hayne at loggerheads, and the team without a win in a month, the end of the season can hardly come quick enough for the Titans in what has been a miserable season.

Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels welcome back Bevan French into the fullback role, after he missed last week through injury. The Eels will be looking for far more energy from their forwards, who were out-enthused and out-played by the Knights last week. 

Gold Coast Titans’ Scouting Report - The much talked about Jarryd Hayne is in doubt with an ankle injury after his poor form over the past few weeks. The Titans have made a shuffle in the halves, with Tyrone Roberts partnering Ash Taylor in the halves, with Kane Elgey moving back to the bench. 

Verdict - Parramatta by 20+

The Gold Coast are offering very little at the moment and I don't think this is a great week to play the Eels. Parramatta would have been stunned by their loss at home to the Knights last week, and I can see no way they turn up with the same attitude for this game, with so much at stake. Newcastle are actually playing really well at the moment, and the Eels could really put a big score on the Titans this week if they are as focused and firing. I expect this game to be high scoring, with Parramatta scoring 30+ and the Titans scoring a couple of tries.