Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors Preview
The Warriors have enjoyed a red-hot start to the season and a seventh win of the season is likely when they visit the struggling Eels. New Zealand can cover a -6.5 line on the road and expect over 53.5 points too.
- Eels have lost four of their last five games
- Four of Eels' last five defeats have been by 13+
- Warriors have won six of their eight games this season
- Warriors have covered a -6.5 line in five of those six wins
- Eels have seen 58+ points in three of their last five games
- Eels are conceding an average of 34.8 points per game this season
- Eels have leaked 2+ tries to the opposition left winger in three of their last four games
- Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored 2+ tries in his last four games vs Eels & in his last two games this season
Eels vs Warriors Head To Head
The Eels have dominated the Warriors in recent times, winning six of the last seven meetings between the teams - although the Wahs did emerge dominant 46-10 winners in the last clash at CommBank.
Parramatta Eels Form - Defensive Problems Persist
Tough season for the Eels, who have been hit hard by injuries and languish in 15th spot on the ladder after eight rounds.
There's some talent and strikepower in this Parramatta side, but I just can't see their current forward pack holding up against the majority of teams in the competition - especially over the course of 80 minutes.
Parramatta held firm for the opening 40 minutes against Manly last week, but they just don't have the staying power and the score got away from them late as they went down 33-18.
The Eels desperately need Mitch Moses to step up - it's tough for the Origin playmaker at the moment and I don't think he's playing anywhere near his best.
New Zealand Warriors Form - Top Two Wahs
Up the Wahs indeed - Andrew Webster's side are flying high in second spot on the ladder, winning six of their opening eight games.
After some big wins earlier in the season, the Warriors have been forced to dig deep against some lowly Queensland teams over the last fortnight, holding off a fast-finishing Titans side 28-20 before a 20-18 triumph over the Dolphins on ANZAC Day.
As mentioned, the Warriors have been inside the top four for 28 of the last 31 rounds, proving they have been one of the most consistently high-performing sides over the last 12 months.
After some big wins earlier in the season, the Warriors have been forced to dig deep against some lowly Queensland teams over the last fortnight, holding off a fast-finishing Titans side 28-20 before a 20-18 triumph over the Dolphins on ANZAC Day.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are on fire out wide, scoring a combined 13 tries in 11 appearances. Jackson Ford is arguably the form forward in the competition and continues to lead the Dally M standings.
Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors Team News
Jason Ryles has stuck solid with the same 19 players that went down to Manly last week.
Adam Pompey comes into the centres in place of Ali Leiataua (concussion) for the Warriors, while Tanner Stowers-Smith is back from a hamstring injury and comes into the team for Mitch Barnett, who is also out with concussion.
Luke Metcalf has also been named on the extended bench.