If the Eels want to win on Friday night they're going to have to be at their best. The Cowboys have looked disjointed without Johnathan Thurston yet they've still managed to pull a couple of games out of the fire.
If Parramatta play like they did against the Tigers and Panthers you can bet the Cowboys will still run riot even with John Asiata at 5/8.
As pointed out by the ABC's Matt Elliott during the Cowboys' last game, JT brings a lot of energy and speed to their attack. Without him they can lapse into a slower pattern of attack and also lack direction.
But for the Eels they're without their third choice 5/8 and are relying on Kenny Edwards playing 80 minutes in just his second match this season while also looking to Corey Norman to marshal the team.
Norman has to stand up this week and show he's worth the price tag. This is his chance to take ownership of this team.
As has been apparent in recent weeks, if the Eels hold the ball they will score points and, according to Fox Sports, they're one of the deadliest teams inside the red zone.
All that being said Parramatta has the tendency to go through periods where they cough up easy ball, make mistakes and take the wrong options at the end of sets. In 2015 they had an 11 minute period where they didn't touch the ball against the Cowboys and they scored 24 points.
The Knights almost surprised the Cowboys last weekend and showed that the Cowboys are vulnerable early on. Only Newcastle's lack of composure at the back-end saw them lose that game.
Parramatta have dominated games early on this season. Namely the Tigers, Penrith, Titans and Dragons. The Eels capitulated against the Titans and allowed both the Tigers and Penrith back into the match. That all happened due to a poor completion rate and a poor end to sets.
If there was ever a time to get the Cowboys it's now. They're under strength in the halves and in the forwards. The Eels have the physical style of game that can beat the Cowboys. They belted them upfront last year and Matt Scott himself said they were surprised by the physicality.
Importantly the Eels will need an 80 minute performance if they are going to win. North Queensland can score points quickly and run over teams when the mood strikes even without JT.
Against the Panthers, the boys showed they could defend their way to a win but they'd prefer to have the game won coming into the final 15 minutes than scrambling to make their tackles and hold onto a six point lead against a team like the Cowboys.
This game could have a big bearing on the next seven weeks of football. They play the Cowboys twice, Roosters, Souths, Warriors, Dragons and Raiders. The majority of those are at home and as we've seen in recent seasons, we need a strong home record if we have any hopes of making the Top 8.
A win against the Cowboys will give us a three match winning streak and plenty of confidence heading into a tough period around Origin.
A loss and it could be an absolute dog-fight to keep in touch with the top eight.
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In 2 games and almost beat the dragons
If there's one thing I would say about Parra's attack at all in recent memory, it definitely wouldn't be that Parra are deadly inside any zone. Sure, we can score some tries here and there, but I think we'd be more known for going side to side when we have a set inside the 20 and taking settler after settler, then somehow getting a try off a kick at the end of the set sometimes.
Deadliest team in the red zone. hahaha
I may Micka, as i am not sure if JT will play..
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