St George Illawarra have been installed as favourites for Friday night's NRL blockbuster against Parramatta at WIN Jubilee Stadium.

Despite losing their last three matches to all but ruin their chances of claiming the minor premiership, the second-placed Dragons are $1.85 favourites with SportsTAB for a clash against an Eels side that have won their last seven matches.

Seventh-placed Parramatta were assured a finals berth after Newcastle lost to Canberra on Monday night, but victory on Friday could see the Eels finish as high as fifth if other results go their way.

An Eels loss and a Newcastle win over Penrith on Sunday would leave Parramatta eighth.

Parramatta and the Dragons have not met at Kogarah since 2006 when the Dragons recorded an 8-1 victory after coming back from 0-1 down to take the match with a late try.

After slipping from premiership favouritism following their 41-6 loss to South Sydney on Saturday night, the Dragons were re-installed as joint favourites with the Bulldogs at $5 following the facial injury to Dogs halfback Brett Kimmorley.

Parramatta share the third line of betting at $6 with 2008 grand finalists Melbourne.

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