Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers NRL preview & tips | Sunday, 16/3

Eels v Tigers NRL R2 best bets

NRL Round 2: Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers preview

Parramatta Eels will host the Wests Tigers in Round 2 at CommBank Stadium on Sunday as both teams look to secure their first win of the 2025 NRL season.

Parramatta will be desperate to respond after a horror start to the season, suffering a humiliating 56-18 loss to the Storm in Melbourne. Their defensive frailties were exposed early, conceding 46 points in the first half alone, and their forward pack was outmuscled. Without Mitch Moses directing the attack, the pressure is on Dylan Brown to spark the Eels in front of their home fans.

Wests Tigers also fell short in Round 1, losing 10-8 in a gritty contest against the Newcastle Knights. Despite dominating possession for large periods, their inability to convert chances proved costly. However, the return of key players – including captain Api Koroisau and fullback Jahream Bula – provides a significant boost as they aim to break through against a fragile Eels defensive line.

The Tigers have been strong at CommBank Stadium, winning their last two games at the venue, and will be confident they can take advantage of Parramatta’s struggles.

The Eels, however, have dominated this matchup in recent years, winning 10 of the past 12 clashes. The last time these sides met, Parramatta thrashed the Tigers 60-26 in Round 27 last season, but this Tigers outfit looks far stronger heading into this matchup.

With both teams needing a win to avoid a 0-2 start, expect an intense battle in the middle of the field. The halves matchup between Dylan Brown and Jarome Luai will be crucial, as the Tigers are currently priced as the $1.65 favourites with the top NRL bookmakers

Eels v Tigers teams list

Parramatta Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Sean Russell
3. Will Penisini
4. Zac Lomax
5. Jordan Samrani
6. Dylan Brown
7. Ronald Volkman
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Jack Williams
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Ryley Smith
15. Matt Doorey
16. Kitione Kautoga
17. Sam Tuivaiti

Parramatta has made several changes following their Round 1 defeat. Jordan Samrani makes his NRL debut on the wing, replacing Jake Tago, while Shaun Lane returns to the starting second row. Kitione Kautoga joins the bench, adding some versatility to their forward rotation. Dylan Brown will need to step up and take charge of the attack, as Ronald Volkman continues to fill in at halfback for the injured Mitch Moses.

West Tigers

1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Starford To’a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Royce Hunt
16. Jack Bird
17. Sione Fainu

Wests Tigers have received a massive boost with the return of three key players – Api Koroisau, Jahream Bula, and Starford To’a. Their inclusions strengthen the Tigers’ spine and backline, giving them a more dynamic attacking threat.

Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers betting predictions

Parramatta’s defensive performance last week was concerning, and with the Wests Tigers welcoming back Koroisau and Bula, the visitors should be much sharper in attack. The Tigers have covered the line in five of their last seven games when starting as underdogs, and with their superior forward pack, they can control the ruck and keep this game close. The Eels are still struggling for cohesion without Moses, and the Wests Tigers have a great chance to at least cover the -3.5 spread with the top rugby league betting sites.

Adam Doueihi is a proven attacking weapon, and with the Tigers expected to target Parramatta’s shaky defence on the edges, he should see plenty of chances to cross the line. He has a strong record against the Eels, scoring in two of his last three games against them. With Luai feeding him quality ball and Bula’s return providing more attacking balance, Doueihi is a solid pick at $3.20 with BetOnline.

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, with Parramatta conceding 56 points last week and the Tigers missing 51 tackles in their loss to Newcastle. Historically, high-scoring games have been common in this fixture, with their last four matchups averaging 54 total points. If both teams continue their defensive struggles and find some fluency in attack, this should be another free-flowing, high-scoring contest at $1.90 odds with BetOnline.

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