The Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the Cronulla Sharks at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday 29 August for their Round 25 clash where they will play for the Johnny Mannah Cup.
The Eels enter the clash coming off a gritty and determined win over a tough Manly Sea Eagles side in wet conditions at Brookvale Oval and will be looking to finish the year with two wins at home, starting this weekend.
Welcoming back skipper Tim Mannah for the clash, the Eels will be looking for another strong performance up front against an experienced Sharks forward pack led by Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Michael Ennis.
Playing at Pirtek Stadium for the first time since their Round 16 victory over the Dragons, the Blue and Gold will be looking to put another strong performance in front of their loyal and vocal Blue and Gold fans.
The Sharks enter the clash with plenty of confidence, naming an unchanged line up after their 40-18 confidence booster over the Wests Tigers last week.
With their experienced and hard nosed forwards laying a strong platform for their talented backline to pile on the points last week, the men from the Shire will be looking to continue their winning ways heading into the Final series.
Kick off is at 3pm.
GAME DAY INFO
The annual fixture honours former Eels and Sharks player Jon Mannah, and supports the work of the Mannah Foundation, assisting young people from all walks of life.
We are excited to put on a huge day of all three grades of footy at Parramatta’s Pirtek Stadium, so please join us as we #celebratejohnny!
As part of the game day experience, get your hands on a limited edition Mannah Foundation T Shirt at this Saturday's Johnny Mannah Cup at Pirtek Stadium, with all proceeds going to the Mannah Foundation! A limited run of shirts will be available on game day from the Eels Store (opposite Parramatta Leagues Club), the Eels merchandise marquee, and the Eels Store outlet at gates G/H at Pirtek Stadium. Shirts are $30 and all proceeds will go towards the Mannah Foundation.
Gates open at 10:30am with the NYC kick off at 10:40am, NSW Cup 12:40pm kick off and NRL kickoff at 3pm.
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Match Details: Dyldam Parramatta Eels v Cronulla Sharks at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday 29 August. Kick off at 3pm.
Televised: Fox Sports, Live, 3:00pm.
The History: Played 80; Eels 39, Sharks 41. In the last clash between the two sides, the Eels came away with a 20 point victory over the Sharks at Remondis Stadium in Round 21, 2014 with Jarryd Hayne and Bureta Faraimo scoring a double each.
The last clash at Pirtek Stadium occurred in Round 2014 with the Eels coming away 42-24 victors.
Eels Squad:
1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Bureta Faraimo 6. Corey Norman 7. Luke Kelly 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah (c) 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. David Gower
Interchange
14. Pauli Pauli 15. Darcy Lussick 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Peni Terepo
Sharks Squad:
1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Chris Heighington 9. Michael Ennis 10. Sam Tagataese 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange
14. Matt Prior 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Tinirau Arona 17. Jayson Bukuya
Match Officials: Referee: Matt Ceccin. Assistant Referee: Grant Atkins. Touch Judges: Russell Turner, Chris Sutton. Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten.
