Go Media Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 22 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with New Zealand Warriors heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the New Zealand Warriors vs. Parramatta Eels game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday August 2, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Where: Go Media Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels Odds
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels Preview
The Warriors welcome back some big guns as they continue their tightrope walk towards the post-season with a home showdown against the second-last Parramatta Eels.
Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad return to bolster a line-up that struggled to put away Wests Tigers 28-16 last Friday.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves to the wing and Te Maire Martin has been axed altogether, Tom Ale replaces the injured Jackson Ford on the bench in the Warriors only other change.
The Warriors should have put the Tigers to the sword after getting to a 14-0 halftime lead but the match was still in the balance until the latter stages.
On the plus side, Addin Fonua-Blake was an absolute behemoth in the middle, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and RTS had season-best games.
Parramatta is on a six-match losing streak but lost few admirers in a 32-14 loss to Melbourne last Friday.
Despite the absence of Mitch Moses, the Eels were arguably the better team in the first half before fading late.
Dylan Browns running game was outstanding, while a dynamic back-row of Bryce Cartwright, Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson will again look to cause a few headaches this week.
The Warriors 46-10 demolition of the Eels at CommBank last season snapped a four-match losing streak in the rivalry.
This is Parramattas first trip to Mt Smart since 2017, losing six of their last seven at the ground.
The Warriors are 4-1-3 at Mt Smart Stadium in 2024 and have struggled to produce their best footy at the sold-out fortress.
But the poise of Johnson assuming he is close to fully fit and CNKs rock-solid presence at the back renders this side arguably the strongest the Warriors have run out this season.
The out-of-contention Eels are 0-9 away from CommBank, making them impossible to back against a Warriors team that simply has to win this one to stay alive.
The Eels may provide decent value against a hefty line, however.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels Tip
We're tipping New Zealand Warriors to win at $1.22 odds.
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels Teams
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Demitric Sifakula 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Edward Kosi 23. Bunty Afoa
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir 18. Ethan Sanders 19. Matthew Arthur 20. Matt Doorey 21. Morgan Harper 22. Makahesi Makatoa