The Pirtek Parramatta Eels will have their work cut out for them on Monday afternoon against traditional rivals Penrith at Centrebet Stadium.
Nobody has been able to halt the Panthers juggernaut in the NYC this season with the Penrith lads sitting pretty on top of the Holden Cup competition ladder, courtesy of six wins from their opening six games.
Despite the imposing nature of the Penrith outfit the young Eels also have plenty going for them this season. Fresh from a confidence building 32-10 away win over Gold Coast and a heart stopping draw against Cronulla the blue and golds are confident they can hold their own against the Panthers.
Parramatta props Pauli Pauli and Junior Paulo were ultra impressive against the Titans, clocking up plenty of metres, offloading and providing try assists. Defensively Kaysa Pritchard and Diamond Charlie were also terrific, stopping everything that moved. Coach Andrew Webster will be hoping for a repeat performance against the large Penrith pack.
If the Eels can retain their focus and concentration for the full 80 minutes, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the Panthers' skillful and speedy outside backs, an upset win is definitely on the cards. A victory would also see the Parra boys move back into the top eight.
Eels:
1. Mitchell Brasington
2. James Tuitahi
3. John Folau
4. Takai Moeakiola
5. Sam Manuleleua
6. Sam Gorman
7. Zach Dockar-Clay
8. Pauli Pauli
9. Kaysa Pritchard (c)
10. Junior Paulo
11. Diamond Charlie
12. Fred Junior Mauala
13. Joseph Ualesi
Interchange:
14. Luke Vescio
15. Jordan Latham
16. Chad McGill
17. Jordan Grant
18. Tepai Moeora
Panthers:
1.Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2. Waqa Blake
3. Nick Walker
4. Iszah Yeo
5. Jarred Wilson
6.Nikko Roberts
7. Sam Scarlett
8. Pat Hollis
9. Kierran Moseley
10. Reagan Campbell- Gillard
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Iain Riccardi
13. Andy Saunders
Interchange:
14. Chris Smith
15. Mitch Clark
16. Josh Tangitau
17. Brendan Attwood
18. Tekina Vailea
Referee: Chris Sutton; Touch Judges: Reece Williams and Daniel Olford
Nobody has been able to halt the Panthers juggernaut in the NYC this season with the Penrith lads sitting pretty on top of the Holden Cup competition ladder, courtesy of six wins from their opening six games.
Despite the imposing nature of the Penrith outfit the young Eels also have plenty going for them this season. Fresh from a confidence building 32-10 away win over Gold Coast and a heart stopping draw against Cronulla the blue and golds are confident they can hold their own against the Panthers.
Parramatta props Pauli Pauli and Junior Paulo were ultra impressive against the Titans, clocking up plenty of metres, offloading and providing try assists. Defensively Kaysa Pritchard and Diamond Charlie were also terrific, stopping everything that moved. Coach Andrew Webster will be hoping for a repeat performance against the large Penrith pack.
If the Eels can retain their focus and concentration for the full 80 minutes, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the Panthers' skillful and speedy outside backs, an upset win is definitely on the cards. A victory would also see the Parra boys move back into the top eight.
Eels:
1. Mitchell Brasington
2. James Tuitahi
3. John Folau
4. Takai Moeakiola
5. Sam Manuleleua
6. Sam Gorman
7. Zach Dockar-Clay
8. Pauli Pauli
9. Kaysa Pritchard (c)
10. Junior Paulo
11. Diamond Charlie
12. Fred Junior Mauala
13. Joseph Ualesi
Interchange:
14. Luke Vescio
15. Jordan Latham
16. Chad McGill
17. Jordan Grant
18. Tepai Moeora
Panthers:
1.Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2. Waqa Blake
3. Nick Walker
4. Iszah Yeo
5. Jarred Wilson
6.Nikko Roberts
7. Sam Scarlett
8. Pat Hollis
9. Kierran Moseley
10. Reagan Campbell- Gillard
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Iain Riccardi
13. Andy Saunders
Interchange:
14. Chris Smith
15. Mitch Clark
16. Josh Tangitau
17. Brendan Attwood
18. Tekina Vailea
Referee: Chris Sutton; Touch Judges: Reece Williams and Daniel Olford
