Eels v Panthers preview

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It's a Western Sydney Derby, with the Panthers desperate to gain some momentum in 2016 against an improving Eels outfit. 

It's almost safe to say that the Panther appear to be the new Canberra Raiders for 2016. In all their losing efforts this season, the Panthers have lead late before surrendering their lead in the final minutes of the game. It's a worrying yet also somewhat positive trend for the Panthers, who despite their inability to close out games, were still, well, at least a chance of winning all four matches. This is despite some damning stats which indicate both Penrith's downfall and bravery in a disappointing opening to the season. The Panthers placed enormous pressure on themselves in last week's two point loss to St George Illawarra, missing a whopping 51 tackles. This however, is not an isolated incident with the Panthers an obvious worst offender in this category early in the season. Penrith have missed 154 tackles already this season, a concerning average of approximately 39 missed tackles a game. Despite all their defensive bravery, especially on their own line, the Panthers can simply not continue to lose by close margins, let alone win with such poor tackling. Furthermore, Penrith also top the league in errors this season, along with the Sea Eagles, Broncos and Raiders. Now, whilst not being the only side with such an error count may bring solace to fans, Penrith continue to make securing victories difficult when averaging approximately 11 errors a game. For the Panthers, despite a rough second game in the top league, fans will be hoping Te Maire Martin will be given more opportunities in his 3rd outing, with the young superstar seemingly left out by veterans Soward and Wallace on Sunday afternoon. The return of Matt Moylan will also boost Penrith's clunky attack. Yet he cannot single-handedly reduce their error count and missed tackles in the process. One also may wonder how much consecutive heart-breaking defeats can effect team morale. 

The Eels, on the other hand, are cruising having won 3 straight, securing a dour 8-0 victory over the Tigers. The Eels will be looking to make it four straight this week and in turn secure their spot in a competitive Top Eight on the back of their impeccable defence in 2016. The Eels, surprisingly, hold the best defence in the league having only conceded just 39 points. Their determination in holding out what has been an exciting West Tigers outfit is to be commended and should set them in good stead against a Penrith side whose attack has been clunky to say the least. Yet, in the Penrith side, the likes of Cartwright and Peachey serve as major offloading threats to the Parramatta defence as does a well-rested returning Matt Moylan. In all their defensive grunt, however, Parramatta have scored a minimal 44 points in 2016, an average of just 11, being the third worst in the league. With attacking threats such as Norman, Jennings and Radradra this is sure to disappoint many Eels fans, however, with such an impressive defensive record, this is not of considerable concern. Watch for Michael Jennings and Michael Gordon to look for a meat pie against their former club, now batting for the Western rivals.

Last meeting: Round 22 2015 - Eels 10 Panthers 4 in a dire contest in Darwin. In the previous clash in Round 12 at Pepper Stadium, Moylan was cruelly struck by a season-ending ankle injury - he makes his competitive return in this match.

Who to watch: For this one, you can't go past opposing wingers and fullbacks. At the back for Parramatta, a former Panther in Michael Gordon. Gordon has eased into the Parramatta line up with a sound start to the 2016 season. However, the Eels will look for more impact from their new No. 1 who is yet to cross the line in 2016. Moylan, however, despite only having made his debut in 2013, Moylan finds himself a veteran in a young Penrith side, indicative in his captaincy in 2016. Moylan is invaluable to Penrith, his importance to set plays and crafty passing cannot be understated. It can also be noted that boom rookie Te Maire Martin was offered by Moylan to stay with the Penrith fullback, after Martin had previously trekked it from the Northern Beaches to Penrith. Surely, the two will have a relationship and understanding of each other which should be an exciting prospect on the field. 

Even more enterprising is the match-up between high-flying wingers Semi Radradra and Josh Mansour. Radradra has only crossed for 2 tries in 2016, but has averaged 104 metres this season and proves a threat for the home side out wide. Mansour has been monumental for the Mountain Men, proving one of their form players to kick off the 2016 season. Similarly, Mansour has crossed for 2 tries this season yet averaged a whopping 182 metres a game and has been massive for Penrith's beginnings to sets in 2016, laying the foundation for Soward and Martin to weave their magic. He is certainly one to watch. 

The favourite: The Eels are strong favourites to continue their form against their Western Sydney rivals.

My tip: Despite my loyalty to the Panthers, I just can't back them here. The Eels have the home ground advantage and have been settling into a nice rhythm while Penrith, although welcoming back star captain Matt Moylan, have struggled for any momentum this year. In saying that, the Eels were nowhere near their best in a dour effort against the Tigers and the Panthers can very much produce stellar attacking performances, particularly when their offloads stick. Home ground advantage to get the Eels over the line here with the Panthers lamenting another close loss. Eels by 4.

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 18. David Gower 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. Danny Wicks 17. Ken Edwards

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 17. James Fisher-Harris 21. Jeremy Latimore

Referees: Grant Atkins, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;