Eels v Sharks preview - 2017 Round 4

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Last-start losers look for success at ANZ

Turning out for their first ‘home' game of 2017, the Eels will be hoping to overcome the shock loss on the Gold Coast and move back into the winner's circle. Boosted by the return of playmaker Corey Norman, the Eels have also been hit by the suspension of Tepai Moeroa which sees veteran Frank Pritchard named to start for the first time this season.

In other selection news, forwards David Gower and Siosaia Vave have been named to play their first matches of the year, while Cameron King and Jeff Robson may be in line for a late call-up depending on the fitness of rake Kaysa Pritchard closer to Saturday.

With the Sharks holding a slender historical advantage over Parramatta in clashes dating back to 1967, the Eels will be focused on reversing recent history having gone down in the past two meetings between the pair.

Having asserted their credentials as rightful premiers with an imposing win in Canberra, the Sharks were brought down to earth following a poor showing against the Dragons last Sunday.

Producing a self-described ‘worst performance' by coach Shane Flanagan, the Sharks will be hoping for a swift reaction brought about by the mid-week signing of James Segyaro. Making the move to Cronulla from England following a tumultuous contract saga, the former Dally M Hooker of the Year should come into calculations for a club debut in a move to fill the void left by Michael Ennis.

In other changes to the side that went down 16-10 to the Dragons, winger Sosaia Feki comes into the side at the expense of Edrick Lee, while Jack Bird has been preferred as fullback despite the return of Valentine Holmes. In a personal milestone, halfback Chad Townsend will play his 50th match for the club after debuting back in 2011; spending a two-year stint in New Zealand before returning to Cronulla last season, the local junior played a pivotal role in helping the side claim their maiden premiership.

Last meeting: Round 17 2016 - Sharks 34 Eels 24

Who to watch: Among the best performers for Parramatta over the past two seasons, centre Brad Takairangi has been a constant threat with his stellar combination of size, speed and skill causing endless havoc for opponents. Having started his career in the forwards, the 27-year-old has found a home in the backline and will be out to continue his case for representative honours after being called into the New Zealand extended squad last May. Equally adept as a backrower and playmaker, Takairangi possesses a host of skills that will go a long way towards the Eels recording their first win against the Sharks since 2014.

Signed from the Dragons as a fledgling interchange second rower, Matt Prior has transformed into one of the elite props in the competition over the past twelve months. Playing an integral role in the Sharks premiership victory last October, the off-contract 29-year-old has attracted plenty of interest in recent months, with the Knights reportedly set to offer him a healthy payday to see out his career in the NRL. Facing off against an Eels side stinging from an upset loss on the Gold Coast, look for Prior to lay a platform for the visitors as the Sharks return to the scene of their most memorable victory for the first time.

The favourite: Despite a poor showing last Sunday night, the Sharks are favoured to extend their winning run to three against the Eels.

My tip: Irrespective of whether James Segeyaro takes the field on Saturday night, expect the Sharks to bounce back from the disappointment of last week. Sharks by 6.

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Clint Gutherson 7. Corey Norman 8. Suaia Matagi 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Beau Scott 14. Nathan Brown 15. Daniel Alvaro 16. David Gower 17. Siosaia Vave

1. Jack Bird 2. Sosaia Feki 19. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jeremy Latimore 17. James Segeyaro

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea;