IN his first game back in Parramatta colours since round 10, Shellharbour's Jai Field played a key role in helping the Eels edge out the rampant Warriors on Sunday.
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Now the 23-year-old five-eighth, who had one try and one tackle break last game, will look to build on that strong showing against competitions front-runners Penrith - who have won 12 games on the trot.
Giving the blue and golds, coached by Batemans Bay's Brad Arthur, confidence on Friday at Penrith will be the fact they are the side to inflict defeat on Ivan Cleary's men.
That match will kick-off at 7.55pm, with the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles match starting beforehand.
Round 18 will begin with the clash between the Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday.
The visitors' side will be headlined by Nowra-born Cody Walker, who will start in the six jersey.
Then on Saturday, the St George Illawarra Dragons - who on Monday appointed Anthony Griffin as their coach from 2021 - host the Canberra Raiders at WIN Stadium.
The Red V's side will be headlined by Gerringong's Jackson Ford, Albion Park-Oak Flats' Adam Clune and Shellharbour's Euan Aitken.
Following this will be the south Queensland derby between the Titans and Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium.
The hosts' side is coached by Milton-Ulladulla's Justin Holbrook and features Kiama's Mitch Rein at hooker, while Moruya's Rhys Kennedy will start in the front-row for the visitors - who are coached by former Kiama Knight Peter Gentle.
The Saturday night slate will wrap up with the Roosters and Knights fixture at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Kiama twins Josh and Morris will start at centre and wing respectively for the tri-colours, as former Batemans Bay Tiger Adam O'Brien will coach of the away team.
Then on Sunday, the Storm takes on the Cowboys on the Sunshine Coast before the Sharks go toe-to-toe with the Warriors.
The Sharks side includes Pambula-born Jack Williams and Narooma's Teig Wilton, while Milton-Ulladulla's Jack Murchie will start in the back-row for New Zealand.