Vale: Terry Hill
10 hours ago | National Rugby League
Panthers v Eels preview
Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels
Pepper Stadium - Friday 7:45pm 
Western Sydney rivals do battle at the foot of the mountains.
After enduring an inconsistent start to 2015, the Panthers will be out to kick-start their season against neighbours Parramatta. After spending the last round recovering from the grueling one-point win over Manly at Brookvale Oval, the Panthers will be looking to produce a similar result to their 38-12 victory against the Eels in the corresponding game last year. With Josh Mansour and Peter Wallace returning from injury, the home side will fancy their chances in front of a parochial Pepper Stadium crowd.
After going down narrowly in their past two clashes, Eels coach Brad Arthur has responded by recalling halfback Chris Sandow to his favoured position in the hope that his creativity will spark Parramatta into form. Other changes to the side include interchange forwards Peni Terepo and Richie Fa'aoso being dropped in favour of the much-maligned Joseph Paulo and 22-year old debutant Daniel Alvaro, who has spent recent years with Brisbane and Parramatta in lower grade. Currently sitting in 16th position with three wins all seasons, the Eels will be desperate for a win if they are any chance of playing finals football.
Last Meeting: Round 12, 2014 - Penrith Panthers 38 Parramatta Eels 12
Who to watch: In his 50th NRL game, fullback Matthew Moylan will be out to replicate his first performance against the side he debuted against. Back in 2013, the then 21-year old played a major role in the Panthers 44-12 demolition of Parramatta. Averaging 165 metres per game, Moylan will be out to stake his claim for an Origin call-up. A noted match-winner, the Eels will need to be on high alert to ensure the Penrith #1 doesn't run riot on Friday night.
In a poor season for the Eels, Manu Ma'u has stood up week in, week out. After missing the second half of 2014, the Tongan second rower has been a standout, averaging 160 metres along with close to 30 tackles per game. Lining up on the Eels left edge, Ma'u will be out to lead Parramatta up front to get a much needed win for the besieged club.
The favourite: With the Eels going down in consecutive matches with poor goal-kicking being a deciding factor, the visitors are expected to struggle once more against the resurgent Panthers.
My tip: As they did in the corresponding fixture last year, expect Penrith to put on a show during Friday night primetime. Panthers by 16.
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 5. David Simmons 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Nigel Plum 9. James Segeyaro 10. Sam McKendry 11. Lewis Brown 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Sika Manu 17. Regan Campbell-Gillard 18. Apisai Koroisau
1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Danny Wicks 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. Junior Paulo 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Pauli Pauli
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Morris; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Ben Galea;