Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 17 clash between the Dragons and Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Date: Saturday 28 June, 5:30pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Corey Allan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Toby Couchman 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Viliami Fifita 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Blake Lawrie 21. Nicholas Tsougranis 22. Nathan Lawson
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Matt Doorey 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Joash Papali’i 18. Dan Keir 19. Toni Mataele 20. Brendan Hands 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Samuel Loizou
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
This Saturday sees a crucial showdown as the Dragons host the Eels. With both clubs sitting on five wins apiece, their finals hopes are fading—but not extinguished. In such a tight competition, a single victory could push them within striking distance of the top eight. Lose, and the climb becomes a lot harder.
The Dragons return from a much-needed bye after a horror fortnight where they were dismantled 56-6 by the Dolphins and outplayed 30-18 by the Sharks. With a vocal home crowd behind them in Wollongong, this week presents the perfect chance to reset and respond. Coach Shane Flanagan has made a handful of key inclusions. Corey Allan, Christian Tuipulotu, and Valentine Holmes are all back in the lineup, while Jaydn Su’a returns from injury and Viliami Fifita is set to make his NRL debut from the bench.
The home side’s hopes largely rest on their captain Clint Gutherson, who has carried them through 2025. With six tries, six try assists, 39 tackle busts and 15 line breaks, he’s been the one constant spark. Expect him to be sniffing around the ruck for quick play-the-balls where he does his most damage.
Despite an inconsistent season, the Eels have shown steady improvement under Jason Ryles, particularly with their youthful lineup gaining experience. Last week’s dominant win over the last-placed Titans might not have shocked the competition, but it reinforced the growth of their depth and belief. With Dylan Brown returning from suspension, Joash Papalii shifts back to the bench. The only other change sees Jordan Samrani come into the centres to replace the suspended Will Penisini.
This will be the second meeting between these sides in 2025. The first clash went down to the wire, with the Eels clinching it in golden point. That match was billed as the showdown between former teammates Zac Lomax and Gutherson, and with the latter now leading the Dragons, he’ll be out for revenge against his old club.
The Dragons will again look to their skipper to lead the way. If the forwards can generate momentum and speed through the middle, he’s the one most likely to capitalise. On the other side, all eyes will be on Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi. Still raw but bursting with potential, his fearless style has ignited the Eels attack this year. While mistakes can creep into his game, his ability to turn a half-chance into a line break is becoming a trademark.
It’s shaping as a perfect Saturday afternoon in Wollongong, and with two desperate teams clashing by the beach, the stage is set for a cracking contest.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 10.
Check out our round 17 predictions here.
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