Leichhardt Oval will play host to Saturday's Round 17 NRL game between Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Parramatta Eels heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Wests Tigers vs. Parramatta Eels game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday July 9, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Where: Leichhardt Oval
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels Odds
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels Preview
The interim coach bounce enjoyed by Canterbury and to a lesser extent the Warriors has eluded Wests Tigers, who have lost all three games under Brett Kimmorley to Manly, the Bulldogs and Warriors by a combined 88 points to 18.
Last week was always going to be a challenge at a sold-out, emotion-charged Mt Smart, but the 22-2 defeat to the NRL’s worst defensive out was another stinging indictment on the Tigers’ attack – which now ranks as the least potent in the competition.
Parramatta’s up-and-down formline shows no signs of correcting to an even keel, bookending an excellent 26-16 win over the Roosters in Round 15 with heavy looses to the Bulldogs (34-4) and Rabbitohs (30-12). The Eels are still relatively well-placed in sixth with a 9-6 record but need to build momentum heading into September.
The Tigers are unencumbered by Origin and get skipper James Tamou back from injury. Meanwhile, Adam Doueihi returns to the starting line-up at centre for James Roberts. Hooker Jacob Liddle is back in the 17.
Marata Niukore is the surprise prop replacement for NSW powerhouse Junior Paulo, while Ryan Matterson returns at lock for Parramatta after missing last week. Clint Gutherson is in the Blues squad but will be released to skipper the Eels.
The Tigers’ last-second, Jackson Hastings-inspired 21-20 upset of the Eels on Easter Monday snapped a seven-match losing streak in the rivalry. This is the teams’ first clash at Leichhardt Oval since 2013 – a ground Parramatta last won at in 2002.
This is a psychological battle more than anything for the Eels. Talent- and firepower-wise it’s a no-contest, but the blue-and-golds struggle to lift for low-level opposition. The second-last Tigers will spy another opportunity to pull the Eels’ pants down and can at least keep this one close at Leichhardt.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Parramatta Eels to win at $1.26 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Maika Sivo at $8.00.
