How Eels might have unlocked 'best chance' at title

The Parramatta Eels are successful an fantabulous presumption to triumph the 2021 NRL Premiership from 5th spot connected the ladder, according to Phil Gould and Paul Gallen.

The last circular of the regular play is this weekend, and similar a fewer apical teams, Eels manager Brad Arthur volition remainder immoderate of their large names against their opponents (Penrith) contempt a apical 4 spot inactive technically alive.

The Eels won't extremity the play little than sixth connected the NRL ladder, nevertheless if Manly successful 4th suffer to North Queensland, and Parramatta win, they could leap-frog the Sea Eagles into fourth.

Both Gould and Gallen judge Manly volition decorativeness the play successful fourth, down the Storm, Panthers and Rabbitohs, with the Eels successful 5th and the Roosters, Knights and Sharks making up the remainder of the apical eight.

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Though the apical 4 is traditionally the extremity for teams eyeing the NRL expansive final, sitting successful 5th for the Eels mightiness really beryllium amended for them this season.

"If you're successful 4th position, you get a 2nd chance. If you're successful 5th presumption you get knocked retired if you lose. If I was successful 5th position, I wouldn't beryllium frightened of thing that runs eighth," Gould said connected Nine's 100% Footy.

"It means you person to play an other game, and past you're playing a losing squad retired of the apical four.

"I deliberation that's the champion accidental of them winning a Premiership - it is to remainder players this play and past spell into their semi-final against the eighth squad physique up assurance and bushed a squad that's conscionable coming disconnected a nonaccomplishment successful the finals.

"History says you're not going to triumph it from extracurricular the apical four, but that's the Eels' champion chance."

Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses of the Eels are seen enjoying their triumph (Getty)

Gallen agreed that though Parramatta would person to play an other game, it would arguably enactment them successful a amended presumption of advancing.

"You're assured due to the fact that you've won, you're playing a losing squad that person hopefully played the Melbourne Storm and person conscionable been bushed up," helium said.

"I deliberation it's amended for the Eels."

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