You're no chance anyways ;-)
Seriously though, this is a preview I wrote up for a mate's blog site.....
Parramatta-Club stalwart Michael Vella returns this week on a five man bench after a battle with thyroid cancer. Vella was in superb form, albeit looking a little underdone, in his return to Premier League last weekend at North Sydney oval and will be a welcome addition to the side should he take the field on Saturday. The Eels are coming off a superb performance to beat the Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park; never an easy task at the best of times, but it showed the character of the club after an abysmal performance in Brisbane the week before. Once again, defence was a huge factor in the win over Melbourne, and will be again this week for the Eels. Tim Smith and John Morris will also play a key role, being 1st and 2nd respectively in the NRL for try assists.
Tigers-Will be fired up after a big loss at the hands of the Cowboys in Townsville. While the team as a whole was disappointing in that match, the performance of Benji Marshall was a shining light. Marshall played a stunning hand in the game, and was almost the soul reason the Tigers got any points on the board. Will need to be on their game this week to get a win on the board, but they are very capable of doing so if the Eels don't turn up with the same attitude they had in Melbourne.
Key Players(Parramatta)
John Morris-Was in stunning form against Melbourne last week, and had a hand in three tries. Is forming a great little combination with rookie half Tim Smith, and looks to be making the number 6 jersey his own despite pre-season criticisms. The Tigers will need to watch his passing game and mark all his runners.
Nathan Hindmarsh-As always, Hindmarsh will be the man for Parramatta. If he is able to back up from the test match, his defence could very well win a tight game for his side. Will also be a danger to the Tigers running out wide later on in the game, if he gets the chance.
Luke Burt-Was another Eel in great form against Melbourne, has been one of the best for the club so far this season despite many unwarranted criticisms. Will be used much the same as last week, as a kicking option with a long boot and a roving second five-eighth. Two great 40/20 kicks last week will have given him even more confidence.
PJ Marsh-Has been slowly rediscovering the form of the pre-injurt PJ Marsh. Will be dangerous coming on late in the match and running tired forwards around on the edges of the ruck.
Tigers-
Benji Marshall-Was scintillating last week against North Queensland, and will need to produce a similar match this week. A lot of the Tigers chances will depend on his ability to back up from the Test match. A great ball runner, with a great passing game, he will be dangerous if the Eels defence is fragmented or uneven at any stage.
Scott Prince-Has been a cool head a few times already for the Tigers this year, and leads them around the park very well. The Eels will need to be wary of his kicking game and ingenuity.
Brett Hodgson-An ex Eel who always seems to step up against his old club. Very talented fullback and goal kicker who is always sniffing around just behind a forward in posession. The Eels will need to be wary of him running off the forwards, as well as short balls and inside passes from the halves.
Mark O'Neill-Like the rest of the forwards, will need to step up against a big, strong Eels pack. Also has the tough assignment of playing opposite Nathan Hindmarsh. Will need tobe at his very best. A gritty character who will do his utmost to guide the Tigers home.
Verdict
This will be a tough, gritty encounter between two proud and talented sides. A lot will depend on who can or can't back up from the Test match on Friday night, as well as which Eels side turns up to play. The return of Michael Vella will be a huge psychological boost for the Eels. Parramatta should prove too strong, but the Tigers will give it a go and are always a chance, especially against the Eels. Parramatta by 8.
:lol:
