Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 19 clash between the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Penrith Panthers
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Sunday July 13, 4:05pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
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. Charlie Guymer, 12. Kitione Kautoga, 13. J’maine Hopgood, 14. Tallyn Da Silva, 15. Dylan Walker, 16. Matt Doorey, 17. Sam Tuivaiti, 18. Dan Keir, 19. Toni Mataele, 20. Ronald Volkman, 21. Bailey Simonsson, 22. Joash Papali’i
Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Thomas Jenkins, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Paul Alamoti, 6. Blaize Talagi, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Lindsay Smith, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Matt Eisenhuth, 14. Jack Cole, 15. Liam Henry, 16. Luron Patea, 17. Mavrik Geyer, 18. Luke Sommerton, 19. Nathan Cleary, 20. Dylan Edwards, 21. Brian To’o, 22. Liam Martin, 23. Isaah Yeo, 24. Preston Riki
Referee: Peter Gough
Bunker: Grant Atkins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Western Sydney rivals, the Eels and Panthers, do battle for the second time this year in what is set to be a perfect Sunday afternoon for rugby league.
The home side, the Eels, are fresh from a bye. The week prior, however, they slumped to a disappointing 34–20 loss to the Dragons. After several weeks of positive signs in the development of their young squad, the first half of that game was arguably one of their poorest in recent memory — something they’ll be eager to rectify this week.
In a boost to the side, Tallyn Da Silva will make his club debut from the bench. Charlie Guymer earns a starting spot in place of the suspended Kelma Tuilagi, while big bopper Sam Tuivaiti makes his return from the interchange. Bailey Simonsson has been named in the reserves and could feature in a late reshuffle.
The Panthers, also coming off a bye, edged out the Bulldogs in an enthralling clash the week prior. While not yet firmly entrenched in the top eight, they’re building — and with each game, they’re starting to resemble the Panthers of seasons past.
Coach Ivan Cleary has named all five of his Origin stars in the reserves, with a decision on their availability expected later in the week. Given lingering niggles to Brian To’o and Nathan Cleary, it’s likely they’ll at least be rested. In their place, Brad Schneider, Daine Laurie, Paul Alamoti, Matt Eisenhuth, and Isaiah Papali’i have been named.
In recent years, clashes between these two clubs have always delivered. Even earlier this season — when both sides were languishing lower on the ladder — their encounter was played at a pace and intensity that echoed their famous 2021 semi-final. The Eels will be out to square the ledger, having lost that earlier meeting, and they’ll be relying heavily on the spark of Isaiah Iongi. The young fullback, a Penrith junior, is fast becoming their go-to X-factor and a genuine Rookie of the Year contender. He’d love nothing more than to light it up against his old club.
The Panthers, as always, will bring effort and execution no matter who takes the field. But the presence — or absence — of their Origin stars could be pivotal. If they play, expect Cleary to control the tempo with his kicking game, while To’o and Dylan Edwards march them upfield with 200-plus metres each. If they don’t, leadership will fall to the experienced Moses Leota, who will be tasked with laying the platform up front.
Former Eel Blaize Talagi has had an up-and-down year in Penrith colours, but with Cleary potentially out, this may be the perfect occasion — against his old club — to show he’s capable of steering the Panthers in big moments.
As always, this derby promises intensity, drama, and passion. The final team list will matter — but if the Origin stars sit out, the Eels may just have enough to get over the line in a tight one.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 2 points.
Check out our round 19 predictions here.
What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below.
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