7th Tackle: Defensive grit steels Eels

Through the gloom of a disastrous 2016, Parramatta’s one shining light was the team’s commitment in defence.

That has lifted to another level over the back end of this season, as the Eels shot into Top Four contention.

We can reveal Brad Arthur’s men has been the best defensive team over the past ten weeks; conceding just 99 points at an average of 12.4 per game.

The next best performers are runaway leaders Melbourne, who’ve let in 14.9 points per game over the same period. Parramatta’s relatively diminutive forwards deserve most of the credit – and Arthur will be faced with some tricky choices from next week onwards.

Injured stars Kaysa Pritchard (knee) and Beau Scott (biceps) are both expected to be available for selection in the final round.

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The two players were expected to undergo season-ending surgery when they sustained their injuries, but have managed to rehab their way back to full fitness ahead of the finals.

We’re hearing its unlikely either will be made to audition through reserve grade, although there could be concerns about young Pritchard’s capacity to pump-out 80 minutes on limited game time.