It's big brother versus little brother on Saturday night. The men from the foot of the mountains take on their cross-town rivals.
Parramatta Vs Penrith is an affair with no love to be lost. It may not be the hate-filled days of the 60's and 70's but don't think there isn't plenty of feeling between these two sides.
Penrith go into this match having won five of the last six matches between these sides. It's a record the Eels will want to ignore. The last time Parramatta triumphed, they did so off the back of a Nathan Hindmarsh inspired effort.
These matches are often high-scoring affairs, defence is left at the door. However, Brad Arthur has highlighted that the Eels are building their game on defence, this match may be more of an arm wrestle than some experts have predicted.
In team news, the Eels have made three changes to their side. Chris Sandow makes his return in the place of Luke Kelly, Ken Sio also returns, he replaces Vai Toutai and the injured Ben Smith has caused a slight re-shuffle in the back-row; Ken Edwards moves into the number 11, Joseph Paulo starts at lock with Mitchell Allgood coming onto the bench.
Rumours are also circulating that Kelepi Tanginoa will be rested this week due to a niggling injury. He will seemingly be replaced by youngster Pauli Pauli who has been very impressive for Wentworthville this season.
For Penrith there are strong whispers that Peter Wallace is yet to recover from his groin injury, contrary to being named in the side. Isaac John was seen training with the team today, Wallace was not seen with the squad.
Josh Mansour is yet to recover for Penrith and whilst Sika Manu's shoulder surgery went well, he isn't expected to take the field this week.
With Wallace seemingly out, Soward will become the chief playmaker. He's been in impressive form of late and Parramatta will target him.
Soward's short kicking game has been spot on and there's no doubt he will target both Semi Radradra and Ken Sio. In order for Parramatta to prevent tries coming from kicks, they'll need to pressure Soward on the last tackle.
I'm keen to watch the upcoming forwards battle. Nigel Plumb and Adam Docker have frequently been ironing out their opposites.
The Eels' forward pack, led by Fuifui Moimoi, was the better pack in both Round One and Round Three. Peni Terepo and Manu Ma'u know no fear and are also capable of putting on big hits.
Parramatta's left hand side attack has been in red hot form with Semi Radradra already bagging six tries in three games. Manu Ma'u has also made plenty of metres up that side and you'd expect more of the same this week.
The addition of Chris Sandow has been welcomed by the Eels. He's a bright spark in attack, capable of working near miracles. His goal kicking is an added bonus and has been missed in recent matches.
I can't wait for the Battle of the West. I'll be at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday Night... will you?
See More: http://www.bluegoldglory.com.au/2014/03/28/1885/battle-of-the-west
Replies
MOM N Peats
For the first time this year i am predicting a parra win, fek it i might as well go full unicorn and say 13+, not that im confident at all i just feel that if things really are on the way up at parra then this is a game they have to win.
Ra Ra as my missus calls him for first try, Sandow for mom and Hoppa to score his first for the eels. GO UNICORN or go home.
Is this what you mean HKF?
I also have picked Parra to win for the first time. Probably the kiss of death!
13+ baby
The best thing about this week is that instead of the usual 'it could either go close or we get thumped',
am just thinking it will be close.That's progress for ya!
Specials!
Parra 28 Penrith 10
Bet we score a 40:20!
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