Matchday Details
Friday 29th August – 6:00pm (AEST) – Go Media Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Peter Gough | Bunker: Chris Butler
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Demitric Vaimauga 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 17. Leka Halasima18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Kalani Going 23. Edward Kosi
Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Will Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Josah Papalii 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Matt Doorey16. Charlie Guymer 17. Jordan Samrani 18. Sean Russell 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Dan Keir 21. Toni Mataele 22. Joey Lussick
Match Preview
At a time in the season when other finals-bound sides may opt to rest players, the Warriors cannot afford to, with their grasp on the top four still not secured. A win this week against the ever-improving Eels at home edges them closer to a second chance come finals time. The Eels, meanwhile, have avoided the wooden spoon and, though they won’t feature in the finals, two strong wins to finish the season would see them just outside the eight — an impressive jump for a young side that spent much of the year in last place.
The Warriors have made no changes to the team that handled the Titans comfortably last week. Similarly, the Eels have stuck with the same 17 that upset the Roosters, though injured centre Sean Russell has been named 18th man. If there is a late change, it may see him replace Dylan Brown.
One of the more exciting battles will be between the four wingers. For the Warriors, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are crucial for metres out of the back and finishing. Tuivasa-Sheck, in particular, is averaging a remarkable 212 metres per game and is a proven handful. For the Eels, current and former NSW representatives Zac Lomax and Josh Addo-Carr provide strike. Lomax rivals RTS with 195 metres per game, while Addo-Carr — still lightning quick — has scored 15 tries so far, with the Telstra Tracker rating him the fastest player in the game this year.
Another strong contest will be between Jack Williams, a powerful ball-running forward for the Eels, and Queensland representative Kurt Capewell, who has produced his best season since his Panthers days. Both are uncompromising and wholehearted, which should make for a fierce clash when running off the interchange.
The Eels upset the Warriors in this fixture last year, despite being in far worse shape. In fact, they have had the better record in recent years, with the Warriors’ last two wins coming in 2023 and 2018.
This will also be Josh Addo-Carr’s 200th game — a career that includes premierships, state and national representation, and plenty of tries. The Eels will want to mark the occasion with a win. It should be a close encounter, with the top four stakes pushing the Warriors to perform, but the Eels may have enough to cause another upset and continue their positive momentum toward 2026.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Eels by 2.
See our full Round 26 Predictions (live Wednesday 12pm) here: 2025 NRL Tipping: Round 26 Writer Predictions
Have your say: Who wins? Drop your tip in the comments or vote in our poll.
