For the second year in a row, the Parramatta Eels ended last season at the bottom of the competition ladder.
Despite the arrival of former NSW Coach Ricky Stuart, who was billed as the saviour of the club, the Eels lurched from one disappointing game to another with the boardroom dramas at the club often creating more interest than the on-field performances.
By September, Stuart had had enough and left to go to Canberra.
Rookie Coach Brad Arthur is now in charge as Parramatta look to rebuild from the bottom up.
The addition to the roster of Will Hopoate, who returns from a two year hiatus, and former Brisbane Bronco Corey Norman, will give the Eels some much need potency in attack.
The Eels won this game last year comfortably, 40 – 10 but it was only one of only five wins for the club last season.
The Warriors enjoyed playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in the Auckland Nines tournament recently and should be ready to produce in round 1.
Several crucial losses by the Warriors last season saw them miss the finals and finish in eleventh spot.
A strong forward pack led by skipper Simon Mannering should create plenty of opportunities for their entertaining backline which is directed by half-back, Shaun Johnson.
Johnson looked sharp in the Nines and will be a player the Warriors rely on heavily this season if they are to be successful.
Parramatta will want to put the past few seasons will and truly behind them here.
They’ve recruited well and should improve as the season progresses and the team, which consists of several new faces, gels together.
The Warriors however have a well formed team and should have the experience and combinations already in place, to combat the Eels.
TIP: WARRIORS 1 – 12
Odds Comparison:
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| Parramatta Eels: | 2.30 | 2.40 | 2.35 | 2.40 | 2.30 | 2.30 |
| New Zealand Warriors | 1.65 | 1.58 | 1.61 | 1.58 | 1.65 | 1.60 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Teams:
Parramatta Eels:
Jarryd Hayne, Semi Radradra, Will Hopoate, Willie Tonga, Vai Toutai, Corey Norman, Luke Kelly, Tim Mannah, Nathan Peats, Fuifui Moimoi, Ben Smith, Manu Ma’u, Kenny Edwards
Interchange: Joseph Paulo, Peni Terepo, Darcy Lussick, Kelepi Tanginoa, David Gower, Mitch Allgood (two to be omitted)
New Zealand Warriors:
Sam Tomkins, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Carlos Tuimavave, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Jayson Bukuya, Simon Mannering (c), John Palavi
Interchange: Jacob Lillyman, Suaia Matagi, Sione Lousi, Feleti Mateo, Jerome Ropati (one to be omitted)