CommBank Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 20 NRL game between Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 7:55 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Parramatta Eels vs. Penrith Panthers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday July 29, 2022 at 7:55 pm
Where: CommBank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers Odds
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers Preview
Parramatta Eels line up for their second showdown of the season with runaway competition leaders Penrith Panthers in a similar situation to when they inflicted the premiers’ only defeat of 2022 back in Round 9. The Eels had been spanked 35-4 by the Cowboys before producing a heroic 22-20 upset victory at Penrith.
The blue-and-golds need to produce a similar turnaround in the wake of a dismal 36-14 home defeat to Brisbane last Thursday. Defensively the Eels – who have slipped to seventh – were atrocious and they have leaked more points than any other team inside the top-10.
The Panthers, meanwhile, have rolled onto their second nine-match winning streak of the season. They had to dig deep to overcome an early 10-point deficit against the in-form Sharks, but ultimately the 20-10 victory was among their best of the season coming out of an arduous rep period.
The Panthers are conceding just 11.2 points per game and are comfortably the best attacking unit at 28.9 points per game. But they have been dealt some injury setbacks this week with Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton and Mitch Kenny all ruled out. Sean O’Sullivan, Robert Jennings and Charlie Staines are their respective replacments.
Bryce Cartwright replaces Jakob Arthur on the bench in the Eels’ only change.
Parramatta’s upset earlier this season snapped a four-match losing streak in the western derby. The two previous clashes at CommBank Stadium were split one apiece, both decided by 16-10 scorelines.
The Eels unquestionably have the quality and experience right across the park to again make life difficult for the Panthers. Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard need to set the tone in the middle of the park against the Panthers’ relentless pack, but if Moses and co. turn up to play the hosts can make this another derby classic.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Penrith Panthers to win at $1.35 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Brian To'o at $8.75.