THE LONG HARD LOOK WITH MIKE WILSON
NRL ROUND 18 PREVIEW
FRIDAY
Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers
Parramatta Stadium, 7.35pm
Eels $2.10, Tigers $1.75
Eels: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Ryan Morgan, Ben Smith, Jordan Atkins, Casey McGuire, Jeff Robson, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Taniela Lasalo, Justin Horo. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Mitchell Allgood, Manase Manuokafoa, Reni Maitua.
Tigers: Wade McKinnon, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Mitch Brown, Jacob Miller, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, (c) Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Tim Moltzen, Todd Payten, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita.
The Tigers have not named Benji Marshall and it looks like he might not return until next week. Robert Lui really needs to step up and start organising a bit better. I get a bit sick of everyone looking for Robbie Farah to step up when really he does his job every week. Robbie is not going to be able to ‘step up’ unless he plays halfback or five/eighth.
The Eels took it to the Baby Broncos last week but fell short at the end. This time they will have the help of Jarryd Hayne and Reni Maitua will be better for the run after a solid return to the NRL following his 2 year suspension.
I’m still more than happy with Casey McGuire’s performances of late but he gets little to no help from Jeff Robson. With this shortcoming in attack and an aforementioned lack of creativity and an inability to make the right choice at the right time from Robert Lui, I’m tipping a low scoring affair.
Mike’s Best Bet:
1. $80 on the Eels +2.0 @ $1.92 (Sportsbet)
2. $80 on the ‘unders’ option in ‘Overs/Unders’ betting @ $1.90 (Sportingbet)
