Andrew Johns is expressing his confidence in the Parramatta Eels’ ability to maintain their winning streak, despite being without their star halves, as they prepare for an intriguing clash against Manly on Saturday. Both teams have been significantly weakened due to various reasons, including Origin selections, suspensions, and injuries.
Typically, Parramatta relies on their formidable halves combination of Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown to guide them through the Origin period. However, this time around, Moses has been called up to play for NSW, and Brown is sidelined due to sexual touching allegations that have resulted in him being stood down by the NRL.
In the absence of these two stars, Clint Gutherson will likely have an increased influence on the team. Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth’s Tips, Johns expressed his approval of the Eels’ stand-in halves combination of Daejarn Asi and Ryan Matterson. He believes that Matterson, playing at five-eighth, will excel in his role, and overall, he is optimistic about Parramatta’s chances.
Johns also had praise for Asi, recalling his impressive performance during his debut for the Cowboys in 2020, where he showcased his potential alongside fellow promising player Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Asi, at just 22 years old, has already experienced a journeyman-like career, having played for multiple teams before joining the Eels as a backup to Moses and Brown. He delivered an outstanding performance in Monday’s victory against the Bulldogs, and Johns expects him to shine again as the primary playmaker, while Matterson focuses on providing a powerful presence in the team.
Manly, on the other hand, will rely on their makeshift halves combination of Jake Arthur and Josh Schuster, with regular halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic unavailable due to Origin duties and injury, respectively.
This clash between the Eels and the Sea Eagles will also feature the father-son reunion between Jake Arthur, who transferred from the Eels mid-season, and his father, who happens to be his former coach.
In conclusion, despite the absence of their star halves, the Eels are confident in their ability to secure another victory. The combination of Asi and Matterson is expected to step up and fill the void, while Manly will rely on their makeshift halves to hold their own. This match promises to be an intriguing battle between two depleted teams.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
