http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...at-home-in-parra/story-e6frexnr-1225869795851
Sharks are right at home in Parra
Christian Nicolussi From: The Daily Telegraph May 22, 2010 12:00AM
CRONULLA - regarded by most fans as the
NRL's biggest laughing stock (so what if we enjoy a good laugh? :lol
- will have every chance to once again make Parramatta their happiest hunting ground tonight.
Eels fans will shudder at the unthinkable fact the Sharks have won six of their past seven matches at the suburban venue.
Be afraid. Be very afraid!
And Cronulla could return to the Shire with another two competition points tomorrow as the Eels deal with a quick back-up from Monday's tough trip to Manly and the absence of superstars Jarryd Hayne and Timana Tahu. Cronulla enforcer Paul Gallen will also be out to prove a point to Blues selectors after his Origin snub.
Fox Sports Stats reveal Cronulla have won 14 of their 22 games at Parramatta, or 63.6 per cent, a record superior to their home form (60.3 per cent).
Apart from Parramatta's 74-4 blow-out in 2003, the six other matches won by the Sharks have been decided by four points or less, including two that went to golden point.
Eels skipper Nathan Cayless recalled last year's 13-10 loss. "It was the low point of our season and, if anything, probably triggered us to turn the season around," he said. "It was like Cronulla had just won a grand final.
"Hopefully we don't see similar scenes again on Saturday."
Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson was not too worried by the statistics and looking forward to returning home after five weeks on the road. "We've actually backed up pretty well after Monday night games the past couple of seasons," Anderson said.
"We're in pretty good form and, dare I say it, pretty healthy. I wasn't aware of Cronulla's record, but they beat us last time [at Toyota Stadium] simply because they played better than us. Stats are stats.
"All I can tell you is we have good morale in the camp, we know the competition is tight and we need to take our opportunities."
The Eels will be shooting for five straight wins and could secure a top-four berth by the end of the weekend.
Anderson said there would be no complacency and was keen to see rookie Tom Humble - the man asked to fill Hayne's boots at fullback - continue to develop in first grade.
"He defended well against the likes of Anthony Watmough and Steve Matai on Monday, it was a solid debut, and hopefully Saturday is just one of a number of first grade games he can put together," Anderson said.
Co-captain Nathan Hindmarsh will play, despite playing the Sea Eagles in pain with a neck complaint. Cronulla have been listed $3.85 outsiders with TAB Sportsbet with an 11.5 start in line betting.
