Dragons v Eels: Frizell rested; Moses returns

With the Origin period two-thirds complete, the Telstra Premiership resumes with Thursday night's first v last battle.

And with so many players (nine) juggling rep commitments with club footy, the Dragons might not be the sure things the ladder would suggest.

Coach Paul McGregor will carefully check the condition of his troops before finalising a 17-man team to face the Eels but at this stage Tyson Frizell is the only star to be rested. It's a tricky one because he also can't afford to field a reserve-grade side against a team with nothing to lose, especially with the battle for the minor premiership so tight.

Parramatta gave the Rabbitohs a minor scare a fortnight ago when they charged out to a 14-6 lead and were the better team for most of the first half.

But they ended up being flogged and remain dead last with a dismal 3-12 record. The Eels really only have pride to play for over the final third of the season but might quietly like their chances if the Dragons don't have their usual soldiers leading the charge.

Key match-up: Corey Norman enjoyed a brief return to form when Parra beat the Cowboys in round 14 before he and the rest of the Eels received a lesson from Souths the following week. Norman has to take charge early and put his stamp on the game in his battle with Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop, who is expected to back up after Sunday's Test against New Zealand in Denver.

For the Dragons to win: Having most if not all of their nine rep players back on deck will be a major factor in how the Dragons function against the lowly Eels. If they are just close to full strength, they should have too much firepower all over the park. The Dragons also have more to play for and will be ready to extinguish a possible early ambush like the one Parra hit Souths with in round 15.

For the Eels to win: It might seem like mission impossible given that it's 1 v 16, but Parra could cause an upset if some of their big names like Norman, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings and Nathan Brown play out of their skin. The Dragons have been vulnerable to little moments of slippage during games and might get nervous if the Eels can manage to keep it close down the stretch.

Dragons Stat Attack: St George prop James Graham will play his 150th NRL game if he backs up from the Denver Test.

Eels Stat Attack: If the previous years are anything to go off then the Eels have reason to be confident, having won their last six games against St George Illawarra.

And another thing: Parramatta and St George battled out rugby league's first drawn grand final in 1977, with scores locked at 9-9 at the end of 80 minutes. When 10 minutes each way couldn't break the deadlock, both teams returned to the Sydney Cricket Ground a few days later for an unprecedented grand final replay. The Dragons dominated the replayed grand final, winning 22-0. Amazingly the 1978 grand final between Manly and Cronulla also finished in a draw (11-11), with the Sea Eagles prevailing 16-0 in the replay.