Match Preview: Wests Tigers v Eels

Author: parraeels.com.au
Timestamp: Sat 8 Apr 2023, 02:55 PM

Following an 11-day turnaround, the Eels will return to action on Monday for their annual Easter encounter with Wests Tigers.

As three players make welcome returns for Parramatta in front of an anticipated big crowd, an exciting Easter is on the cards for the Eels.

Classic Encounter: Eels v Wests Tigers

Team News

Eels trio Shaun Lane, Haze Dunster and Sean Russell are set to make their first appearances of 2023 after being cruelled by injuries recently.

Lane returns from a broken jaw to make his 100th Eels appearance, lining up in his usual left-edge position and resulting in a back-row reshuffle.

After overcoming a serious knee injury, Dunster will play his first NRL match in over 18 months as he replaces Bailey Simonsson (suspension) on the wing.

Russell comes into the side for the first time since suffering broken ribs while scoring a hat-trick against the Titans in Round 1 last season.

The Tigers have made a raft of changes to their side which was defeated by Brisbane last week, headlined by positional changes for Charlie Staines (fullback) and Adam Doueihi (five-eighth).

Recent History

The Eels have an exceptional recent record against Wests Tigers, winning eight of their last nine meetings, including the famous first match at CommBank Stadium.

Match Highlights: Wests Tigers v Eels

Wests Tigers narrowly won last year’s Easter Monday clash, but the Eels bounced back with a 28-20 triumph in Round 17.

Form Guide

The Eels kickstarted their season a fortnight ago by defeating local rivals Penrith in a golden point thriller, but fell short against the Sydney Roosters despite a brave effort last week.

Wests Tigers are winless after five games, and enter Round 6 on the back of a 34-point loss to Brisbane.

Key Match-Up

Five-eighths Dylan Brown and Adam Doueihi will both be looking to make statements on Monday.

Brown has his first opportunity to play alongside Shaun Lane this year, after the pair formed a fearsome left-edge relationship in 2022. Meanwhile, Doueihi returns to the Wests Tigers no. 6 role after being deployed at fullback in recent weeks.