UPDATE: Eels were their own worst enemies tonight completing at 47% in the second half, and making a mind-boggling 18 errors for the game. With the ball, the Eels played side-to-side shift footy which largely proved ineffective and contributed to handling errors and numerous intercepts. The Eels missed some crucial tackles on the edges that practically handed the game on a platter to Souths. In the post game pressor, a visibly disappointed Jason Ryles said the Eels' poor execution wouldn't beat a park footy side.
Eels talisman Mitchell Moses celebrates his 250th NRL game with the B.Y. Cup on the line.
The Eels have won just once in Parramatta against Souths over the past decade.
Even more concerning, Parramatta have lost 11 of their last 13 matches against Souths from 2018. It is their worst record against any opponent during that period. Worse than their record against Melbourne, the Roosters or Penrith.
Both teams enter the clash fresh from a win and a bye, and both will be desperate.
The bogeyman is one way to describe Souths.
John Wick would call them Baba Yaga. The bastard you send to kill the bogeyman.
Team Lists
Eels 14th vs. Souths 7th, Thursday, 25 June, CommBank Stadium, 7.50pm
Weather: Muggy, perfect for this game
TAB: Eels $2.50, South $1.53
Referees: Gerard Sutton (on-field), Belinda Sharpe (Touch Judge), Chris Butler (Bunker, Senior Review Official)
Late Switch: Sam Tuivita and Harrison Edwards start to add some size to take the early heat in the game and deal with Souths' middles. Luca Moretti and Tayln Da Silva to add punch off the bench.
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses (c) 15. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Harrison Edwards 10. Jack Williams 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin
Bench: 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 14. Dylan Walker 16. Teancum Brown 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Charlie Guymer
Cut: 20. Apa Twidle 21. Ryley Smith 22. Saxon Pryke
Head Coach: Jason Ryles
Souths: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Edward Kosi 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray (c)
Bench: 14. Lachlan Hubner 15. Jamie Humphreys 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. John Radel 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Dayne Jennings
Cut: 21. Bronson Garlick 20. Moala Graham-Taufa 22. Thomas Fletcher
Head Coach: Wayne Bennett
Stat Attack
• The Eels have lost their last four straight home games against South Sydney, last defeating the Rabbitohs at Parramatta in 2019.
• Parramatta have lost 11 of their last 13 matches against South Sydney since 2018.
• Josh Addo-Carr needs one try to move into outright seventh on the all-time NRL try-scoring list.
• Alex Johnston has scored 18 tries in 16 appearances against Parramatta.
• The Eels have made 54 errors in their last four games which cost them dearly against the Knights, Dogs: two close games they should have won with better composure.
Eels' Defensive Improvement
Rounds 1-6: 37.7 points conceded per game
Rounds 7-12: 30.6 points conceded per game
Rounds 13-15: 18.0 points conceded per game
Where the Game Will Be Won or Lost
Souths, led by the likes Cameron Murray, Keaon Koloamatangi and Brandon Smith, will look to roll the Eels through the middle, generate ruck momentum, and space for their dangerous playmakers, Jye Gray and outside backs.
The Rabbitohs' lethal left edge has scored the most tries down that corridor in the game. While Latrell Mitchell is out injured, Cody Walker, David Fifita and Alex Johnston will attempt to expose the Eels' vulnerable right-edge defence.
If the Eels fail to contain the middle, shut down that edge or execute the fundamentals, it could be a long night.
Final Word
The Rabbits have ridden a rollercoaster all year but need to consolidate their position inside the top eight with a few tough weeks coming up.
The Eels have spent the past two months fighting for survival. Week after week. For Eight-straight weeks. That's almost impossible to maintain. Is this the week the Eels finally crack, against their long-time nemesis? Or will the weather be the great equalizer?
Can Mitchell Moses celebrate his milestone by pulling a rabbit out of the hat? Or will the Baba Yaga smoke the Eels once again?
MItchell Moses discusses his 250th, Origin, and the need to be on your toes every week.
Replies
On some podcasts we are favoured. On tipping apps, people are backing us more. That scares me.
We just can't seem to beat Soufs.
Hope for a win for Mitch 250 game but I fear Soufs by plenty.
I reckon the Eels might actually win this match. Eels by 10.
Kunt of a day here in Sydney. Looking at the slipperiest cake of soap 🧼 football ⚽️ of all time at Parramatta. Hold the fkn ball Rylsey tell the Boyz and it looks 99.9999% Xerri is a done deal. The only thing that can go wrong is that buckets o'neill doesn't bring the pen to the signing ceremony of Xerri & Spencer. Start celebrating.
Xerri Spencer both done . Buckets o'neill 🪣
I just have to laugh at many on League Unlimted, Parramatta forum. Abusing the recruitment and many saying "I doubt we even look at Xerri" cause of this and this. When it seems we could get Xerri it is "Recruitment could only get him as his club don't want him" Purely laughable.
Recruitment and retention have been z grade under O'neill and Sarantinos.
Yeah but many watned Xerri, we could get him and it is not due to recruitment. Like seriously.
Like here there are a mixture of opinions.
Neither is a done deal. Heard on broadcast that Xerri has already flown down to Melbourne and met with Bellamy. So highly unlikely he's coming to Parra
Unless we blow their contract out of the water.
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