One of the more intriguing games of round 13, with both teams on six wins.
The injury-hit Sharks welcomed the bye last week and will go into Saturday's match on a winning note after beating the slumping Dragons in Wollongong in round 11.
Parramatta snapped a three-game losing skid with last week's defeat of the Origin-depleted Rabbitohs - their first victory since coach Brad Arthur re-signed with the club.
But some doubters reckons it was mere Fool's Gold because Souths had so many key players out. A meeting with the Sharks in enemy territory should provide a clearer picture of the Eels' form.
Match: Sharks v Eels
Round 13 -
home Team
Sharks
6th Position
away Team
Eels
8th Position
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
The Rundown
Team news
Sharks: Wade Graham will make his return from injury via the bench, with Blake Brailey making way. Scott Sorensen drops off the reserves list. Shaun Johnson's comeback has been delayed by at least a week after he was trimmed from the reserves with Sione Katoa on Friday.
Eels: Nathan Brown returns from injury, replacing Ray Stone on the bench, with Brad Takairangi, George Jennings and Tim Mannah dropping out of the extended squad on game day.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Matt MoylanFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sosaia FekiWinger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Eels is number 3 Michael Jennings
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Josh DuganCentre for Eels is number 4 Josh Hoffman
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Aaron GrayWinger for Eels is number 5 Blake Ferguson
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Kyle FlanaganFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Will Smith
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad TownsendHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Andrew FifitaProp for Eels is number 8 Kane Evans
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Eels is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Sharks is number 10 Matt PriorProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Manu Ma'u
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Lock for Sharks is number 13 Paul GallenLock for Eels is number 13 Tepai Moeroa
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jayson BukuyaInterchange for Eels is number 14 Peni Terepo
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Jack WilliamsInterchange for Eels is number 16 David Gower
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Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-UeleInterchange for Eels is number 17 Marata Niukore
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Interchange for Sharks is number 20 Wade GrahamInterchange for Eels is number 21 Nathan Brown
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Mitch Moses started poorly against Souths but was arguably the best player on the field by game's end. On Saturday he's up against the very consistent Chad Townsend and Moses can't afford to take it easy. The other intriguing clash will take place on the fringes between opposing backrowers Briton Nikora and Shaun Lane.
For the Sharks to win
Matt Moylan showed what he means to the Sharks with a standout performance in his return from injury against the Dragons. Cronulla have to be ready to match Parra's early power and aggression, while the creative Moylan and methodical Townsend need to keep the defence in two minds.
For the Eels to win
Brad Arthur never looked comfortable last week and you get the feeling it's because he knows better than anyone that his team is prone to switching off during games. It didn't happen last week and it's crucial for the Eels to show they can get up for two big games in a row. If things don't go their way in the first 20 minutes Parra can't afford to get frustrated and impatient.
Brett Kimmorley says
We know the Sharks can play tough, but Matt Moylan’s return in their last game just gave them a little bit of finesse. He’s really important for their attack. It’s a big day for Mitchell Moses to see if he can stay composed and get Parramatta home. A big test for him, and the Eels. Sharks by 6
Stat Attack
Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita leads the NRL in offloads (36), while the Sharks have a league-leading 138 offloads as a team. Eels hooker Reed Mahoney is the top tackler (574) in the competition, while teammate Clint Gutherson is setting the pace in run metres (2,135). Parra have committed more errors (152) than any other team.
And another thing ...
Like most teams in 2018, Cronulla had Parramatta's measure, winning their first clash 14-4 before getting out of jail 22-20 in the second meeting. The Eels look much better equipped to handle the Sharks in 2019 but every team knows beating the Sharks on their own turf has always been much easier said than done.
