HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 26, Tigers 10, Eels 15, 1 draw
LAST TIME: Tigers 56 def Eels 26, Round 22, 2012 at Campbelltown Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION:
Tigers prop Keith Galloway joined team mates Lote Tuqiri (arm), Matt Groat (ankle) and James Gavet (ankle) on the sidelines after injuring his pectoral muscle in last week's 28-18 home win over the Panthers.
Reni Maitua was the only fresh injury concern for the Eels, with an ankle injury expecting to sideline the 30-year-old utility for two weeks. Ken Sio, who is also recovering from an ankle injury, is due to return for the Eels at the same time.
The news isn't as good for Willie Tonga (shoulder) and Luke Kelly (hamstring), with no confirmed return dates as yet.
FORM:
The Tigers hit back from their tough 10-42 loss to Newcastle in Round 1 with a superb 28-18 victory over the Ivan Cleary-coached Panthers at home.
Hooker Robbie Farah and the flamboyant Benji Marshall were back to their best as the hosts overcame a 0-6 deficit after five minutes to coast to a 10-point win and a 1-1 record in 2013.
The Eels, too, are 1-1 after a thoroughly one-sided 40-10 win over the New Zealand Warriors in Round 1, the visitors did it tough against the Bulldogs, eventually losing 20-16.
Despite the loss, the Eels had more running metres (1263) in comparison to their opponents, who mustered 1183 running metres.
The Eels also completed one more set than their opponents despite having less possession in what is a positive sign for coach Ricky Stuart.
WE THINK:
While this isn't a crunch-time match for either club so early in the competition, both teams will be desperate to have a winning record heading into Round 4. Galloway's absence will hurt the hosts, who in the absence of the man they call 'Big Red' will feel the pain up the middle.
The battle between rejuvenated No.6s Marshall and Chris Sandow looks to be an absolute pearler, and the winner of this match-up should go a long way to taking the two points.
With both sides in relatively good form heading into this match, it's hard to understand just who will walk off Campbelltown Stadium with the win.
However, for the sake of a prediction we're going to pick the Tigers within a converted try. Expect fireworks aplenty and entertainment galore regardless. Tigers by 6