NRL:
Season to date: 24-20 (54.55%)
Game 1) Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Stadium
A great match-up in prospect between two definite 2001 Grand Final contenders. Both teams have had some fine performances this year but consistency has been hard to come by for both sides. If there is one team looking a more solid option, it's the Eels. After demolishing the pitiful Wests Tigers in the previous round, they were far too good last weekend for another poor side in the Northern Eagles and the final margin of their 26-14 away win could have been much, much wider. The Eels defence has been outstanding this season - 197 pts against in 7 matches beaten only by the Broncos - while their completion rate has also been top notch; 31 of 39 v the Eagles, 35 of 45 v the Tigers, 33 of 43 v the Bulldogs in the last 3 rds. Errors - 8, 5, and 5 - superb. In contrast, the Roosters have been patchy, albeit against better opposition in the Dragons (rd12), Warriors (rd11) and Storm (rd10). The most worrying area for the Roosters in those games was missed tackles - 34, 30 and 26 - compared to the Eels 15, 18 and 24. Obviously the recent return of Brad Fittler should help their on-field organisation while giving the Eels a few headaches themselves defensively. But the Roosters do miss long-term absentees Ryan Cross and Luke Phillips in their backline.Kicking is fairly even, with both Jason Taylor and Craig Fitzgibbon being highly reliable. If the Eels can contain Fittler and Bryan Fletcher, they should have the inside running at home. Take the better defensive team at either the spread or ML.
PLAY PARRAMATTA EELS -2.5 or ML
GLTA
Season to date: 24-20 (54.55%)
Game 1) Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Stadium
A great match-up in prospect between two definite 2001 Grand Final contenders. Both teams have had some fine performances this year but consistency has been hard to come by for both sides. If there is one team looking a more solid option, it's the Eels. After demolishing the pitiful Wests Tigers in the previous round, they were far too good last weekend for another poor side in the Northern Eagles and the final margin of their 26-14 away win could have been much, much wider. The Eels defence has been outstanding this season - 197 pts against in 7 matches beaten only by the Broncos - while their completion rate has also been top notch; 31 of 39 v the Eagles, 35 of 45 v the Tigers, 33 of 43 v the Bulldogs in the last 3 rds. Errors - 8, 5, and 5 - superb. In contrast, the Roosters have been patchy, albeit against better opposition in the Dragons (rd12), Warriors (rd11) and Storm (rd10). The most worrying area for the Roosters in those games was missed tackles - 34, 30 and 26 - compared to the Eels 15, 18 and 24. Obviously the recent return of Brad Fittler should help their on-field organisation while giving the Eels a few headaches themselves defensively. But the Roosters do miss long-term absentees Ryan Cross and Luke Phillips in their backline.Kicking is fairly even, with both Jason Taylor and Craig Fitzgibbon being highly reliable. If the Eels can contain Fittler and Bryan Fletcher, they should have the inside running at home. Take the better defensive team at either the spread or ML.
PLAY PARRAMATTA EELS -2.5 or ML
GLTA
