Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters
Parramatta Stadium, 7:35pm.
Eels $1.80, Roosters $2.02 (Sportingbet)
Eels: Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Justin Horo, Ben Smith, Chris Hicks, Jarryd Hayne, Casey  McGuire, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (c), Taniela Lasalo, Reni Maitua. Interchange (from): Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Pat O’Hanlon, Justin Poore
Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Sam Perrett, Justin  Carney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Phil Graham, Braith  Anasta (c), Mitchell Pearce, Jason  Ryles, Jake Friend, Lama Tasi, Brad Takairangi, Aidan Guerra, Boyd Cordner. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Mose Masoe, Tinirau Arona, Frank Paul Nuuausala
THERE IS SOMEWHAT OF A CONTRADICTION between the two Friday night games this week. Manly and Melbourne are playing with a chance at 1st on the ladder whilst the Eels are taking on the Roosters in a bid to get off the bottom and avoid their first wooden spoon since 1972. The Eels are 1 point behind the Raiders and the Titans and a win will see them jump both on the ladder. The home ground advantage will help after the Roosters home crowd helped spur them to a comeback victory last week. This week, the Roosters are all on their own in their attempt to grab their 3rd successive win.
The bookies’ odds say it will be close but to me the match up reeks of uncertainty and a good bet is hard to find. With two (and it’s fair to say) poor sides, anything could happen!
This will be Chris Hicks’ 200th NRL game.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
Starting Bank: $2000, Current Bank $2744.73
(Team lists sourced from nrl.com.au)
