Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys Verdict
The Eels continue to have an impact on the finals picture - even if they are not going to be playing in September themselves. Parramatta have a +6.5 start on the line and I think they are value to cover that against a Cowboys side that is inconsistent.
- Eels have covered a +6.5 line in seven of their last nine games
- Eels have won five of their last six games vs Cowboys
- Cowboys have failed to cover a -6.5 line in six of their last nine games
- Eels have seen Under 50.5 points in seven of their last eight games
- Cowboys have seen Under 50.5 points in four of their last six games
- Seventeen of the last 18 meetings have seen Under 50.5 points
- Josh Addo-Carr has scored 15 tries in his last 12 games vs Cowboys, including a double in his las two appearances
- Jordan Samrani has scored a try in his last two games & crossed vs Cowboys in R10
Head To Head
Parramatta have won five of the last six encounters, including a thrilling 33-30 golden point triumph in Townsville in Round 10.
Parramatta Eels Form - Pride At Stake
The Eels have never been in the finals hunt in another season decimated by injuries.
Case in point last week - the Eels were blown off the park by Souths and were trailing 28-0 at half-time.
But while they've languished near the bottom of the ladder throughout the year, the Eels have never stopped putting in the effort and that's something that will please Jason Ryles.
Case in point last week - the Eels were blown off the park by Souths and were trailing 28-0 at half-time.
Parramatta almost pulled off what would have been the greatest comeback in NRL history, but fell just short in a 28-24 defeat.
North Queensland Cowboys Form - Must-Win Territory
The Cowboys remain the most unpredictable team in the NRL, but they have their finals destiny in their own hands and have a good draw in the run home.
Indeed, the Cowboys start Round 24 in eighth spot on the ladder after bouncing back from their 82-12 hammering at the hands of the Chooks to ease past the Titans 30-8 last week.
Heilum Luki is one of the form backrowers in the competition and crossed for a double, while Jake Clifford and Jaxon Purdue were dangerous in the halves in the absence of Tom Dearden.
With a bye next week followed by games against the Tigers and Raiders, the Cowboys really should be making the finals.
Eels vs Cowboys Team News
Another injury blow for the Eels with fullback Isaiah Iongi out for the season with a knee injury. Apa Twidle comes in at the back.
Dylan Walker and Sean Russell are also back in the side, with Ryley Smith and Kelma Tuilagi dropped.
Reed Mahoney is back from concussion for the Cowboys, which sees Soni Luke revert to the bench and Matt Lodge drop out the side.