Wests Tigers will look to turn around last week’s result against the Gold Coast Titans when they host the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on Easter Monday.
With a strong recent record against the Eels, Wests Tigers welcome back hooker Robbie Farah who has overcome a knee injury. His return allows for Dene Halatau to replace Chris Lawrence (suspension) in the back row for the Club’s third home game of the season.
Jason Taylor’s side will be weary of the Eels, who are 2-1 to start the year with impressive wins over the North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bulldogs in recent weeks.
The halves battle will be of most interest with Kieran Foran and Corey Norman combining well for the visitors early in the season, whilst the dangerous left edge of Michael Jennings and Semi Radradra will have Wests Tigers on red alert for Monday afternoon.
James Tedesco has a strong try scoring record at with 13 tries from 13 games at the venue, whilst Luke Brooks also enjoys the ANZ Stadium turf with 9 tries from 14 matches, including a try on each occasion against Parramatta in the last two years.
With a huge crowd expected, and the Sydney Royal Easter show occurring in the Olympic Park precinct, Wests Tigers are encouraging members and supporters to leave the car at home with a number of public transport options included in ticket purchases.
Be there on Easter Monday as we take on the Eels at ANZ Stadium! Get your tickets here!
Match Details
Date — Monday, March 28, 2016
Time — 4:00pm AEDT
Venue — ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Match Officials
On-Field Referees —Jared Maxwell and Gavin Badger
Touch Judges — Russell Turner and Chris Butler
Review Officials — Bryan Norrie and Jason Robinson
TV, Live Stream and Radio Information
TV — Live via Fox Sports 1 (subscription required)
Live Stream — Foxtel Go, NRL Digital Pass (subscription required)
Radio — FM 104.9 Triple M, AM 702 ABC Grandstand, AM 2GB 873 (check local guides)
Confirmed Squads
WESTS TIGERS — 1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Tim Grant 11. Kyle Lovett 12. Dene Halatau 13. Sauaso Sue (Interchange: 14. Josh Aloiai 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jack Buchanan 17. Manaia Cherrington)
PARRAMATTA EELS — 1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Clinton Gutherson 6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa (Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. Danny Wicks 17. Kenny Edwards 18. David Gower)
2016 Recent Results
Wests Tigers
R1 — Wests Tigers 34 def. New Zealand Warriors 26
R2 — Wests Tigers 36 def. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22
R3 — Gold Coast Titans 30 def. Wests Tigers 18
Parramatta Eels
R1 — Brisbane Broncos 17 def. Parramatta Eels 4
R2 — Parramatta Eels 20 def. North Queensland Cowboys
R3 — Parramatta Eels 20 def. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6
Last Time They Met — Parramatta Eels 28 def. Wests Tigers 16 (Rd.17, 2015)
Despite a strong first half, Wests Tigers surrendered a 16-12 lead at the break to go down against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium last time they met. Parramatta jumped out of the blocks early with two quick tries to start the match however the home side hit back with a double to Kevin Naiqama and a try to Pat Richards to go into the sheds with a lead just before the break. Parramatta kept Wests Tigers scoreless in the second half on the back of a 12-4 penalty count, to run in three tries and secure a hard-fought 12-point victory.
The History
· Against the Eels — Played 31, Won 13, Lost 17, Drawn 1
· At ANZ Stadium — Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6
The Threat to Watch — Semi Radradra
Fijian winger Semi Radradra has been the talk of the town in the past week after his freakish heroics in Parramatta’s 20-6 victory over Canterbury on Friday night.
The 23-year old ran for over 200 metres against the Bulldogs and overall has 50 career tries in 52 games in the NRL. He is fourth in most tackle-breaks on 16 behind Wests Tigers pair David Nofoaluma (23) and James Tedesco (20) to start the season.
Three Final Facts
· Wests Tigers have won eight of their last 11 matches against Parramatta
· Wests Tigers have won both clashes against Parramatta on Easter Monday
· James Tedesco has scored 13 tries from 13 games at ANZ Stadium
