Round 11: NYC Holden Cup Preview


Eels Digital


The Pirtek Parramatta Eels Holden Cup team will be flying solo for their round eleven fixture as they take on the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday.

While the NRL team travels to Mudgee for a special Parramatta Eels home game at Glen Willow Stadium, the NYC clash moves to McCredie Oval in Guildford.

The match sees the return of fullback Corey Makelim to the Blue and Gold line-up, shuffling Mitchell Brasington into the five-eighth position, Mark Daoud to halfback, and Zach Dockar-Clay to starting hooker.

Coach Andrew Webster's forwards were stand-outs in the first half of last week's victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons, with both Sean Jackson and Fred Junior Mauala breaking the line to score.

Webster will be hoping his charges can continue their solid form from round ten, as centre John Folau joins Makelim in returning to the side this round.

The young Eels face a Titans side fresh from a 34-18 win over the Broncos, boasting a strong forward pack that includes an under-18s Queensland representative in Caleb Binge, and Zach Friend, former hooker for the dominant 2012 Penrith Panthers under 20s side.

But the Gold Coast Holden Cup squad isn't without changes, as Coach Jamie O'Connor calls up two new faces to replace Oliver Percy (out through suspension) and Sam Johnson in the round eleven clash.

And Webster's Parramatta side may be down a forward as well this week, with NRL Head Coach Ricky Stuart calling Pauli Pauli into camp in Mudgee to cover for any potential injuries in his Eels forward pack.



Parramatta Eels


1. Corey Makelim
2. James Tuitahi
3. John Folau
4. Connor Broadhurst
5. Takai Moeakiola (c)
6. Mitchell Brasington
7. Mark Daoud
8. Pauli Pauli
9. Zach Dockar-Clay
10. Daniel Alvaro
11. Fred Junior Mauala
12. Sean Jackson
13. Joseph Ualesi

Interchange:
14. Luke Vescio
15. Jordan Latham
?16. Diamond Charlie
17. Chad McGill
18. William Budgen

Coach: Andrew Webster


Gold Coast Titans


1. Jahrome Hughes
2. Kurtis McDonald
3. Rian Diffey
4. Mitch Ardler
5. Jared Teo
6. Matthew Beddow
7. Kane Elgey
8. Francis Veukiso
9. Zach Friend
10. Caleb Binge
11. Hymel Hunt
12. Kyle McConnell
13. Mitchell Hall

Interchange:
14. Mitch Sharp
15. Sam Gee
16. Sam Harrold
17. Tom Rowles

Coach: Jamie O?Connor