Match Preview: Eels v Sharks

Author: parraeels.com.au
Timestamp: Wed 8 Mar 2023, 02:00 PM

The Eels will play for the prestigious Johnny Mannah Cup this Friday as CommBank Stadium hosts a showdown with the Sharks.

Two of the NRL’s top 4 sides in 2022, both the Eels and Sharks are looking to bounce back from Round 1 losses, setting the stage for an exciting battle.

Clint Gutherson receives the Johnny Mannah Cup in 2021.

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Team News

Eels coach Brad Arthur has made one change to last week's team, bringing Sean Russell into the side for his long-awaited return to the NRL.

Russell has not featured in first grade since suffering a serious rib injury in Round 1 last year, a game in which he scored a famous hat-trick. The 20-year old has been named on the wing in place of Isaac Lumelume.

Sean Russell celebrates one of his three tries in Round 1 last season.

Meanwhile, Cronulla have promoted Royce Hunt and Connor Tracey to their bench in the absence of Wade Graham (suspension) and Jack Williams (head injury). Halfback Nicho Hynes remains sidelined with a calf injury.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Friday 10 Mar

Full Time

Eels

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Eels is number 4 Waqa Blake

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa Talakai
Winger for Eels is number 19 Bailey Simonsson

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Braydon Trindall

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Josh Hodgson

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Braden Hamlin-Uele
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Bryce Cartwright

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Matt Doorey

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Jirah Momoisea

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Cameron McInnes
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Jack Murchie

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Royce Hunt
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Wiremu Greig

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Makahesi Makatoa

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Connor Tracey

Reserves

Replacement for Eels is number 18 Jake Arthur

Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Thomas Hazelton

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:55 AM

Read the Round 2 Gameday Guide.

Recent History

Results have swung either way in recent years. Parramatta has won three of the last five, but Cronulla were victorious in their latest encounter in Round 2 of last season.

The Eels’ most recent win against Cronulla came in Round 3, 2021, when the Blue & Gold ran riot at CommBank Stadium.

Match Highlights: Eels v Sharks

The match featured two particularly memorable moments – Blake Ferguson's backflip celebration and a superb team try finished by Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

Blake Ferguson backflips after scoring against the Sharks.

Form Guide

Both sides fell short against strong opposition in Round 1. The Eels lost out to the Storm in a golden point thriller, while Cronulla were defeated 27-18 by South Sydney.

Parramatta took plenty of positives from their match however, including the performances of their club debutants and a pair of terrific tries.

Paulo powers over the line!

Key Stat

The Eels have not lost a match to Cronulla at CommBank Stadium, a statistic they will be eager to preserve on Friday.

Key Match-Up

Two prolific wingers will go toe to toe in Maika Sivo and Sione Katoa. Both focal points of their respective teams’ attacking setups, plenty of action is expected to come down their edge.