Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 13 clash between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Penrith Panthers Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Sunday June 1, 4:05pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Luke Sommerton 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Luron Patea 17. Harrison Hassett 18. Brad Schneider 19. Riley Wake 20. Preston Riki 21. Daine Laurie 22. Jack Cole 23. Paul Alamoti 24. Austin Dias
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Sean Russell 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 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. Joash Papali’i 18. Matt Doorey 19. Joey Lussick 20. Toni Mataele 21. Dean Hawkins 22. Samuel Loizou
Referee: Peter Gough
Bunker: Liam Kennedy
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Western Sydney rivals the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers are set to write another chapter in their fierce rivalry this Sunday at CommBank Stadium. The reigning premiers will occupy the Eels’ home turf, and they’ll be desperate to make a statement.
Penrith’s loss last week — a limp display against a lowly Knights outfit — saw them tumble to the bottom of the NRL ladder. While many Origin stars were missing, the performance was still well below standard, and the return of Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin couldn’t come soon enough. Izack Tago returns to the centres and Scott Sorensen slots back into the second row, restoring the Panthers to something close to full strength.
In contrast, the Eels are slowly on the rise. Their convincing win over Manly marked their second in a row, lifting them off the bottom of the table and injecting belief into a squad showing signs of genuine growth under new coach Jason Ryles. Mitch Moses and Zac Lomax both return from Origin duties, while Sean Russell shifts to centre to cover for Will Penisini. Youngster Joash Papalii retains his bench spot after a strong debut.
All eyes will be on the battle between the Blues halves pairing, Cleary and Moses. Both men will be eager to lead from the front after a strong Origin outing, knowing full well that their club sides have much to gain from their leadership. For Cleary, it’s about restoring Penrith’s hallmark grit: the relentless kick-chase, defensive grind, and repeat sets that built their dynasty. Too often this season, the Panthers have looked to score cheaply. Sunday is about earning it.
For the Eels, everything changed when Moses returned. Though they’ve gone 2-2 since, both losses were winnable — a sign that their brittle start to the year is behind them. The combination between Moses and Lomax is still fresh but dangerous. Don’t be surprised if Moses finally finds Lomax on a cross-field kick, with Brian To’o likely to be tested under the high ball.
With clear skies forecast for Sydney, this clash could be a high-scoring spectacle. If both teams click, we’re in for a thriller. But based on current form and momentum, the Eels might just edge this one in a close contest.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 2 points.
Check out our round 13 predictions here.
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