Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 6 clash between the Eels and Raiders.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Canberra Raiders
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin
Date: Saturday April 12th, 7:35pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Zac Lomax 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Dan Keir 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Ryan Matterson
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Trey Mooney 19. Jed Stuart 20. Adam Cook 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Danny Levi
Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Bunker: Grant Atkins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Fresh off their first win of the season, the Eels will be hoping to capitalise on that momentum as they travel north for their final year hosting a home game in the Northern Territory. Standing in their way are the Canberra Raiders, who will need to summon the same gritty determination that saw them topple the Sharks last week.
The Eels have named an almost unchanged line-up following their golden-point victory over the Dragons. However, in a significant blow, Zac Lomax is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks with a foot injury. While not officially confirmed, it’s likely Bailey Simonsson will slot into the vacant wing position. The Raiders, on the other hand, enjoy the benefit of stability, naming the same 17 that secured their last-gasp win.
Historically, Darwin hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Eels — their last victory in the Top End came against the Raiders back in 2021. That coincidence may offer them a small psychological edge heading into this clash.
Last week saw the promising club debut of new recruit Dylan Walker, whose injection off the bench helped sharpen Eels’ attack. His direct running through the middle allowed Dylan Brown greater freedom, and the Eels will be hoping he can again ignite their offence — particularly against a tiring Raiders pack in the heat.
The Raiders, meanwhile, delivered another trademark ‘never say die’ performance. A try in the dying moments against the Sharks proved once again that this team thrives under pressure. With one of the fastest backlines in the competition, they will fancy their chances against an Eels’ defence that has looked vulnerable at times this season.
In the humid Darwin conditions, however, game management becomes crucial. Halfback Jamal Fogarty will need to control the tempo: kicking to corners, applying pressure, and forcing the Eels to work hard out of their own end in the heat. If he executes well, the Raiders’ class and discipline could prove decisive.
Ultimately, this clash promises to be a tight one. The Eels will draw confidence from last week’s breakthrough and their last Top End triumph over the Raiders. But the Raiders’ grit and experience in close matches — along with their blistering pace out wide — could tilt the balance.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 2 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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