Sterlo's Parra Preview - Eels v Sharks, Round Four
The Parramatta Eels take on the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Round Four of the NRL Telstra Premiership on Saturday 6 April at ANZ Stadium in the annual Johnny Mannah Cup clash.
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.
For the clash, Blue & Gold Head Coach Brad Arthur has made a handful of changes to his line up that suffered a 32-18 defeat to the premiers, the Sydney Roosters last week.
Eels half Dylan Brown has been ruled out with an injury with Jaeman Salmon named in the halves alongside Mitch Moses.
Tepai Moeroa has been named at lock with Peni Terepo, Tim Mannah, Kane Evans and Oregon Kaufusi on the bench.
Ray Stone, Matt McIlwrick, Josh Hoffman and George Jennings form the reserves.
For the Sharks, Head Coach John Morris has also been forced to make one change to his side that came away with an emphatic 42-16 victory over the Cowboys in Townsville last week.
With Matt Moylan ruled out with injury, Josh Dugan moves into the number one jersey with debutant Bronson Xerri named at right centre.
Despite Paul Gallen coming from the field early last week due to injury, the skipper has been named at lock.
The Eels can take plenty of confidence matching it with the Roosters for 65 minutes of the clash before succumbing to three quick tries to the tri colours. However they will need to ensure no concentration lapse this week, with the Sharks showing how well they can capitalise, crossing for five tries in a 20-minute burst against the Cowboys last week.
After three rounds, the Eels currently sit equal second for tries scored (13) and Mitch Moses will again be steering around the Blue & Gold with young halves partner Jaeman Salmon along side him.
For the opposition, Shaun Johnson has slotted into into his new team, laying on three try assists and kicking 11 goals at 85% in the opening three rounds. The Sharks lead the league for line breaks (15) and are among the top five attacking teams in the competition after three rounds.
Historically, the Sharks hold a slight head to head advantage with 46 wins compared to the Eels 39. At ANZ Stadium, the Sharks have won the two encounters played at the venue. The Sharks also have won the past five encounters between the two sides with the Eels not claiming a victory over the Sharks since 2014.
Kick off in the Johnny Mannah Cup clash is at 7:35pm.
Grab your tickets and be a part of the blockbuster event now!
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Sharks is number 1 Josh Dugan
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Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika SivoWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sosaia Feki
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Centre for Eels is number 3 Michael JenningsCentre for Sharks is number 3 Bronson Xerri
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Centre for Eels is number 4 Brad TakairangiCentre for Sharks is number 4 Josh Morris
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Winger for Eels is number 5 Blake FergusonWinger for Sharks is number 5 Sione Katoa
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Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Jaeman SalmonFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 19 Kyle Flanagan
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Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
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Prop for Eels is number 8 Daniel AlvaroProp for Sharks is number 8 Andrew Fifita
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Hooker for Eels is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Sharks is number 9 Jayden Brailey
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Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloProp for Sharks is number 10 Matt Prior
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2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Marata Niukore2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Kurt Capewell
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Lock for Eels is number 13 Tepai MoeroaLock for Sharks is number 15 Jayson Bukuya
Interchange
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Interchange for Eels is number 14 Peni TerepoInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Blayke Brailey
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Interchange for Eels is number 15 Tim MannahInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Aaron Woods
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Interchange for Eels is number 16 Kane EvansInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Jack Williams
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Interchange for Eels is number 17 Oregon KaufusiInterchange for Sharks is number 18 Scott Sorensen
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara
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