The Sharks have had our number in recent years.
We've beaten them once over the last four years. They've won three of the last four against us.
The Sharks have also won four of the last six at Commbank since 2020.
The last four margins have been 2, 4, 10 and 10. Small bites. Very Un-V'landy.
The Sharks have a very slim chance of top four, with the Roosters losing a few.
They need a statement.
It would also be a fitting way to honour Ronaldo Mulitalo's milestone 150th NRL game. Sadly.
Expect some fireworks.
Teams
Eels 13th vs Sharks 6th, 4.05pm, Sunday 30th August, CommBank Stadium
TAB: $2.90 Eels, $1.45 Sharks
Referees: Ashley Klein (on field), Dave Munro (touch), Liam Kennedy (bunker)
Eels: 1. Apa Twidle 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Saxon Pryke
Bench: 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Ryda Talagi 16. Teancum Brown 17. Dylan Walker 18. Jack de Belin 20. Kelma Tuilagi 21. Jonah Pezet (one to be cut).
Cut: 19. Bailey Simonsson 22. Ryley Smith
Head Coach: Jason Ryles
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Niwhai Puru 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes
Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 21. Riley Pollard (one to be cut).
Cut: 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Riley Jones 22. Toby Rudolf
Head Coach: Craig Fitzgibbon
Blueprint
The Eels have won every game when they have followed the basic blueprint. Less errors than the opposition. Better completions. A good kicking game over 550m.
Well, except one that broke the mould. Round twenty-two. The 16–13 win over the enigmatic Tigers who were atrocious. And better off volcano surfing down Mount Yasar. The Eels completed at 67%, made 19 errors, and somehow won defying gravity without a space suit.
Last week, the Eels failed to follow the blueprint. Worse completions and more errors than the Dolphins, who had too much firepower.
And guess what? They lost 34-16.
We were gritty grit. As usual. Won the game for 60 minutes. Then lost. Bang. Bang. De Juva.
Mixed Form
The Sharks have slipped up a bit in recent times losing to the last-placed Saints and Raiders, but bounced back with a comeback win against the Titans last week. Only just.
It wasn’t too long ago they were looking hot and set for a top four winning nine from ten including a 66-0 drubbing of the white hot fourth-placed Dolphins.
Last week, the Sharks were losing against the Titans when their physicality in the middle third was down. As soon as that picked up, they proved too hot to handle.
They'll look to rinse repeat that today.
Bottom Line
In this week's pressor Eels coach, Jason Ryles, praised the Eels "fight" but added "It's very important we continue to improve." I gather than means a win.
The Sharks will also be looking for improvement too. A lot of improvement. A bounceback to previous form. A statement heading into the finals.
The bookies say Sharks.
History says Sharks.
Logic says Sharks.
Form says vulnerable.
But history also suggests it could be close. At least the blueprint says Eels. Unfortunately, being an Eels supporter means we apparently need to make the simple things extremely complicated.
Replies
Sharks 28 eels 12
MOM Blake Brailey he will carve us up in the middle
Sounds about right.
Not expecting the Sharks to flog us but can't see them losing. A win gives them a shot at getting to 4th if Chooks lose again next week.
You we're missing in action today KINGGUTHO .
I really feel that. Parramatta eels will get UP this Afternoon ,especially being at home
I have the same feeling Colin.
We played a terrific side last week and were outclassed.
Today we face the Sharks who are not in the same class.
Our opponents can be hot and cold and are rarely red hot.
And we're at Paradise for the final time this year, does anyone think we wont be out to impress.
Go Parra
Hope Eels can end this season with 2 more wins! Sharks will be desperate to attemp a top 4 spot but also cautious not to pick up injuries to key players. So I'll tip an Eels victory by 10 points
Eels will be up for this game.
think we will be competitive just depends on which of our team turns up, if the mistake riddle 1 than we will end up on the side coping a hiding if the good side turns up will be close though I think the sharks have more to play for and will win by 4
NSW cup just got flogged again 50-16... hope this is not a sign for first grade
Has Cayless left for HKR yet?
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