A rare chance for me to get a blog in a bit earlier and open up the way for some pre-game discussion.
Another weekend, another preliminary final for the Parramatta faithful as our young pups in the Holden Cup take on the New Zealand Warriors for a berth in the grand final. Unlike Wenty who entered last week's NSW Cup Preliminary Final as rank outsiders the Eels will play today with the heavy mantle of favouritism - for both this game and the premiership itself. I imagine there are quite a few supporters that would be nervous about this, given Parramatta's modern day woes when they have the backing of bookies in first grade.
While I can't say those fears are entirely preposterous I can tell you that the short odds are warranted after a terrific regulation season and a gutsy win in week one of the finals over the now grand finalists, the Brisbane Broncos (who prevailed over the St George-Illawarra Dragons on Friday night). Parramatta boast a 2-0 record over the Warriors in the regulation season and an explosive roster that has formidable strike power across the backline, spine and pack. Arrogance will do them no good but the Eels have earned the right to be confident coming into this game - even with the expected absences of Kaysa Pritchard and Tepai Moeroa.
On the other side we have the New Zealand Warriors, a perennial power house of the 20s. Surprisingly, they have been far from convincing for long stints of the regulation season and indeed they barely scraped into the top eight in Rd.26 with a W/D/L record of 12-1-11 after drawing with the Penrith Panthers (ironically pipping the Panthers for eight spot on F/A). I feel that many had simply accounted for them to make up the numbers, myself included, but to widespread surprise the Warriors not only overcame the impressive Sydney Roosters they also knocked off the NYC minor premiers in the Newcastle Knights to book their place in the preliminary finals.
At this stage you would imagine the element of surprise has been lost for the Warriors and that coach Justin Holbrook has the Eels prepared for a battle hardened New Zealand outfit. Even so, momentum is a powerful ally and given the volatile nature of the Holden Cup any result is possible. Optimistically I have the Eels prevailing tonight and after taking a good minute to ground myself I can still see our boys getting the win.
There is no doubt that the Warriors are a dangerous team and they will certainly test us tonight but I believe our boys and their x-factors are primed to take us to the grand final.
Go the Eels!
You can watch today's Preliminary Final live on Fox Sports 1 or catch the live updates right here on 1EE.
Replies
Any idea why Tepai and Pritchard aren't playing today?
Kaysa has some problems staying on the pitch this year so I would hazard a guess that his absence pertains to injury. Happy for Slippery to correct me if he knows what is doing there though.
As for Tepai, injury could be the factor again (the club has not issued any post-season injury report) or the club may simply not believe it is worth throwing him back into the NYC now that he looks to be a first grade fixture. Once more, Lloyd (Fuji) Ngarik would know better so if Lloyd is around he might be able to give you the inside running.
If you haven't had a chance yet, check out Ham's fantastic preview ...
Thanks a lot mate :)
Go Eels!
The Parramatta Eels will run out with an unchanged line up for this evening's game.
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