Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 12 clash between the Parramatta Eels and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Friday May 23rd, 8:00pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Matt Doorey 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Joey Lussick 20. Toni Mataele 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Samuel Loizou
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Corey Waddell 16. Nathan Brown 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Brandon Wakeham 20. Tommy Talau 21. Michael Chee Kam 22. Caleb Navale
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Bunker: Grant Atkins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The old-school rivalry between the Eels and Sea Eagles reignites this Friday night in Parramatta, with both sides riding high after bounce-back wins last week. As the Origin period heats up, this clash carries added weight — with key players out, the spotlight turns to depth, discipline, and desire.
The Eels were impressive in their dismantling of the Knights, arguably producing their most complete performance of the season. Yet, familiar frustrations linger — missed opportunities and handling errors left points on the field. Still, it was another promising step for a youthful outfit showing signs of cohesion.
They’ll be without general Mitch Moses, whose Origin selection sees Dean Hawkins step into the No. 7 jersey. A backline shuffle has Jordan Samrani shifting into the centres to cover Zac Lomax, also away on Blues duty. On a positive note, Kelma Tuilagi returns from suspension and slots straight back into the second row.
The Sea Eagles also found form, notching a statement win over the Cowboys in Townsville. Consistency has eluded them all season, but they’ll be hoping that last week was a turning point. Like Parramatta, they’ll be without their skipper, with Daly Cherry-Evans in Maroons camp. Former Eel Jake Arthur starts at halfback, Jazz Tevaga replaces Jake Trbojevic at lock, and Matt Lodge and Lachlan Croker bolster the bench.
The key man? Tom Trbojevic. Omitted from Origin selection and captaining his junior club, Turbo has every reason to make a statement. If he fires, the Eels’ young backline will have their hands full. That said, Sydney’s soggy conditions could be a leveller — especially if the heavy strapping on Trbojevic is masking a niggle.
Notably, the Eels are yet to win a game without either Moses or Lomax this season. This presents a major mental hurdle — and a chance to break the hoodoo. In the wet, it’ll come down to Hawkins’ ability to play controlled, structured footy. Kicking to corners, playing the territory game, and exercising patience will be crucial. When Parramatta have erred in recent weeks, it’s often come from trying to score too early rather than building pressure.
So, who wins? It may come down to one man. If Trbojevic is fit and hungry, he could swing the match on his own. But if the Eels dig in, play smart, and embrace the grind, they’re every chance of pulling off a crucial win without their stars.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Sea Eagles by 2 points.
Check out our round 12 predictions here.
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