The grand final rematch has taken on huge significance for the Eels who have started the season 0-3 and are in danger of losing touch with the heavyweights of the competition.
Finding the tryline hasn't been an issue for the Blue and Golds, averaging 23 points per game, but defending it has been, with 80 points and 14 tries piled on by their opponents across the first three rounds.
Coach Brad Arthur has been full of praise for his team's 'effort' but the ease with which their defence is being breached must be a massive concern.
The Panthers found some form against the Rabbitohs in Round 2 before sitting out last weekend with a bye, which may have been a blessing given the extreme heat which a number of sides had to endure.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary will be looking for continued improvement in his side's cohesion as they get accustomed to life without Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau.
With Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai calling the shots and Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris putting them on, the back-to-back champions are ready to slip into overdrive in the next month against the Eels, Raiders, Sea Eagles and Knights.
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Team News
Eels: Parramatta will take the field as named, with Ryan Matterson's return from suspension the big Round 4 inclusion for Brad Arthur's side. Matt Doorey moves to the bench and Jack Murchie (head knock) is out. Hooker Brendan Hands has been named to make his NRL debut from the bench.
Panthers: Representative back-rower Liam Martin dropped out of the squad an hour before kick-off due to hamstring injury, which the club described as "minor", and was replaced by Zac Hosking in the starting side. The squad is otherwise unchanged from that which was named mid-week, with Scott Sorensen returning from a head knock and Matt Eisenhuth dropping to 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Eels are aiming to avoid their first 0-4 start to a season since 2018.
- The Panthers have won six of their past eight games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored 38 tries in 39 games at CommBank Stadium.
- Panthers mentor Ivan Cleary will reach a career total of 400 games as NRL coach.
- The Eels have won their last two games against the Panthers at CommBank Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .