The Dyldam Parramatta Eels are chasing redemption at Brookvale Oval this Sunday against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, after being trounced by the Sydney Roosters in Round 2.
An emotion-charged encounter is anticipated from both teams, as Eels Will Hopoate and David Gower and new Sea Eagle Cheyse Blair take on their former clubs at Premiership level for the first time.
It’s also a case of master and apprentice in the coaching staff, with it being the first time Dyldam Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur has lined up against his former mentor Geoff Toovey.
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After a disappointing second half display from his team last weekend, Arthur says he’s looking for a very different performance on Sunday.
“This week we need to change our attitude to our defence, against the Roosters we were hanging in there with the arm wrestle for a bit but then let it go,” Arthur said.
“It’s really important we change our attitude towards our defensive principles and effort.”
The Eels will be bolstered by the return of hooker Nathan Peats, who sat out last week’s disappointing loss for disciplinary reasons; but will miss Darcy Lussick, suspended for four weeks for a high-tackle charge by the judiciary.
In other judiciary matters, Sea Eagles workhorse Anthony Watmough has been cleared to play after entering an early guilty plea for a dangerous contact offence.
After a nail-biting loss to the Melbourne Storm in their season opener, the Sea Eagles clawed back to defeat the South Sydney Rabbitohs last week, playing without stars Glenn and Brett Stewart due to injury.
Glenn Stewart has been named to return to the field this week but the Sea Eagles will still be without Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Tom Symonds and Michael Chee-Kam due to various injuries.
A key match-up to watch for will be between centres Steve Matai and Will Hopoate, having previously played alongside each other in the Sea Eagles back line.
"I haven’t really seen the first two weeks that he’s played but I know he is a strong runner of the ball and a good defender,” Matai said.
“I’m going to have to be on my game to get on top of him.”
Kick-off is at 3pm, with the NSW Cup at 12.45pm and NYC Holden Cup at 10.45am.
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Dyldam Parramatta Eels:
1. Jarryd Hayne (c)
2. Semi Radradra
3. Will Hopoate
4. Willie Tonga
5. Vai Toutai
6. Corey Norman
7. Luke Kelly
8. Tim Mannah (c)
9. Nathan Peats
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Ben Smith
12. Manu Ma'u
13. Kenny Edwards
Interchange:
14. Joseph Paulo
15. Kelepi Tanginoa
16. Peni Terepo
17. Mitch Allgood
18. David Gower
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Peta Hiku
2. Cheyse Blair
3. Jamie Lyon (c)
4. Steve Matai
5. David Williams
6. Kieran Foran
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Starling
9. Matt Ballin
10. Brenton Lawrence
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Justin Horo
13. Glenn Stewart
Interchange:
14. James Hasson
15. Dunamis Lui
16. Jamie Buhrer
17. Jason King
18. Jesse Sene-Lefao
