Round 17 is an important game for the Eels as they look to firm up a to four finish before the NRL finals.
Here are five things you need to know about the Father’s Day clash at Central Coast Stadium.
First game for Eels at Central Coast Stadium
The Eels will make the road trip to Central Coast Stadium on Sunday to battle it out with the Warriors.
It’s the first time they’ve played at this venue in NRL history.
The Warriors, however, are familiar with the ground calling it home away from home during the altered 2020 season.
Ladder movements
The Eels enter the Round 17 clash sitting 3rd on the ladder and hoping to keep in the race for a top four finish.
While the Warriors are on the cusp of cracking the top eight, sitting in ninth position.
Regardless of the result, there will be ladder movements this Round.
Father’s Day game
Six Eels will celebrate Father’s Day this year by taking the field.
Michael Jennings, Waqa Blake, Junior Paulo, Blake Ferguson, Ray Stone and Marata Niukore can make their days extra special with a win.
Keep an eye out on our website for the Eels’ letters to their daughters to celebrate Father’s Day.
Head-to-head stats
Since first playing against each other in 1998, the Eels have won 22 of the team’s 38 clashes, compared to the Warriors 16 wins.
This season the Eels are sitting better when it comes to stats.
The Blue and Gold have won 80% of their games to the Warriors 36%.
The Eels have also scored 111 points more (312 to 201) and conceded 162 points less (176 to 338).
Team changes
The Eels welcome Jai Field back into the team, where he will play five eighth for the injured Dylan Brown.
Marata Niukore returns from suspension in place of Andrew Davey on the bench.
Eels loan players George Jennings and Daniel Alvaro are not permitted to play for the Warriors this round, but they do remain with the team.
Gerard Beale comes in on the wing and Jack Murchie starts in the back row.
Josh Curran and Isaiah Papali'i are additions on the bench.
