The Eels may sit just one spot higher than the Cowboys but head into Friday’s clash at CommBank Stadium as overwhelming favourites.
Parramatta bounced back from two losses to upset the Rabbitohs 36-16 last week in what was considered their best performance of the season.
North Queensland, on the other hand, were humiliated by the Tigers in a 66-18 bloodbath.
MATCH CENTRE: Eels vs Cowboys live updates, stats, video
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Heaping even more pressure on the Cowboys is the fact they’ll be without Tom Dearden, Murray Taulagi, Valentine Holmes and Reuben Cotter — who are all on Origin duties.
Ben Hampton steps in at five-eighth, the versatile Jake Granville shifts to lock, while Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby will make their NRL debuts in the centres and on the wing respectively.
The Eels are without some key players too with Junior Paulo also on Origin duties, while Ryan Matterson (calf) and Andrew Davey (head knock) are also out.
Matt Doorey moves into the starting side with debutant Luca Moretti joining the bench. Meanwhile, mid-season recruit Joe Ofahengaue goes straight into the starting pack after signing this week.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Follow the action live in our blog below. If you can’t see it, click here.
