A regular Easter Monday game in recent times, these two clubs have served up some thrilling contests in the corresponding fixture over the past two seasons.
Two years ago the Wests Tigers – who at the time had lost eight games in a row – sprung one of the upsets of that season by tipping over the red-hot Eels 21-20 at CommBank Stadium thanks to a last-minute field goal. In 2023, it went down to the wire again as Parramatta held on for a 28-22 victory.
Both teams head into the 2024 edition having enjoyed last-up wins, with the Wests Tigers demolishing the Sharks in an impressive showing that was led by skipper Api Koroisau and the Eels handing Manly their first loss of the season with a come-from-behind win.
In a massive blow to the Eels they are set to be without star half Mitch Moses for up to eight weeks with a fractured foot so coach Brad Arthur may look to move Dylan Brown to No.7 or bring young gun Ethan Sanders in at halfback.
While the recent Easter Monday games have been close, the record against Parra over the past six years makes for ugly viewing for the Wests Tigers, with just one win over their Western Sydney rivals in their last 10 meetings.
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Team News
Eels: A late change on game day sees Ryan Matterson join the starting side at lock with J'maine Hopgood reverting to the interchange. Bryce Cartwright was ruled out (rib) on Sunday with Kelma Tuilagi joining the starting side at secondrow. After an impressive debut in the centres last week, Blaize Talagi has been thrust into the hot seat at five-eighth following the loss of Mitchell Moses to a fractured foot. Powerhouse winger Maika Sivo returns from suspension, with Bailey Simonsson left in the reserves for the time being after sitting out Round 3 with concussion. Bailey Simonsson is 18th man.
Wests Tigers: No late changes on game day. A sole change to the 17 which got the job done in convincing fashion against the Sharks last week and it’s a forced one, with Alex Twal ruled out with concussion. His spot on the interchange is taken by Asu Kepaoa. Jayden Sullivan will again come off the bench, with Aidan Sezer and Lachlan Galvin the halves. Justin Matamua is 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- Wests Tigers have won only one of their past five games at CommBank Stadium.
- Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored eight tries in eight games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since Rd 10 last year.
- The Eels have won nine of their past 11 games at CommBank Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com