The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will go head to head with the 2014 reigning premiers, the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Friday night at Pirtek Stadium, and the Eels will be looking to return to their winning ways after their last two round defeats.
The Eels showed positive signs towards the back end of last week’s game, however, the Eels poor completion, lack of discipline and slow start was their downfall against the Warriors.
Head Coach Brad Arthur knows this type of performance was not up the Eels standard, and the coach is looking for a much improved performance in Round Four.
Naming the same side that took to the field in New Zealand, the Blue and Gold are also buoyed by returning to their home ground where they generally play their best football. The Eels had a convincing victory at Pirtek Stadium over Manly in Round One, where an energetic forward pack laid an early platform for the Blue and Gold backline to pour on the points, and the Eels will be looking for another similar performance this Friday.
For the Rabbitohs, they are three from three to kick off the 2015 NRL campaign, and the NRL reigning premiers are the early season benchmark.
The Rabbitohs have a few changes to their side, losing Dylan Walker who has been sidelined for a month with a hand injury and he has been replaced by Darryl Millard. Nathan Brown has been added to their extended bench.
Game Day Info - Salute to Service Round
Round Four Related News
- Watmough: We weren't up to standard
- Sandow: Parramatta is my Home
- Takairangi: We can beat the Rabbitohs
- Brad Arthur: It's about pride
Round Four will also be the Eels "Salute to Service" Round. The Eels #SalutetoService is a way of saying thankyou by involving servicemen and women from the defence forces as well as local frontline services like police, ambulance and fire. See some of our salutes below
- Ambulance of NSW / NSW Police / Fire and Rescue NSW
Get tickets to the game
Match Details: Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta. Kickoff at 7.35pm.
Televised: Channel Nine, Live, 7.30pm
The History: Played 118; Eels 50, Rabbitohs 65, Drawn 3.
Eels Squad:
1. William Hopoate 2. John Folau 3. Ryan Morgan 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Reece Robinson 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah (c) 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough
14. Isaac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower
Rabbitohs Squad:
1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Daryl Millard 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Joel Reddy 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Chris McQueen 13. Tim Grant
14. Cameron McInnes 15. Jason Clark 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Ben Lowe 19. Nathan Brown
Eels Dangers
Chris Sandow and Nathan Peats. The halfback and hooker have been two of the stronger performers for the Eels during 2015 and the two will be looking for big performances against their former side as they look to get the Blue and Gold back in the winners circle.
The two have been vocal in the lead up to the match and the Blue and Gold Army should keep their eye on these two who hate to lose.
Rabbitohs Dangers
Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis has started 2015 where last season left off. The fullback has averaged 161m per game, crossing for two four pointers this season along with four line break assists and three try assists. Head Coach Brad Arthur acknowledged ‘GI’ is a danger and the Eels defence need to work as a team to shut him down.
Match Officials: Referee: Ben Cummins. Assistant referee: Alan Shortall. Touch judges: Nick Beashel and Rick MacFarlane. Video Referees: Bernard Sutton and Luke Patten.
