Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League Magic Round clash between the <teamA> and <teamB>.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Date: Friday May 2, 6:00pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Cronulla Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jesse Colquhoun 21. Hohepa Puru
Parramatta Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Bryce Cartwright 22. Jordan Samrani
Referee: Peter Gough
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The 2025 edition of Magic Round opens with a big clash between the Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels – two sides at a pivotal point in their seasons. The Sharks risk slipping further down the ladder with another loss, while the Eels are looking to string together some wins to lift themselves from the bottom.
The ‘home’ team, the Sharks, will be eager to rebound after a deflating loss to the Tigers. Braden Hamlin-Uele returns via the bench, adding much-needed punch to their middle rotation, while KL Iro earns a starting spot in the centres. Meanwhile, the Eels come off the bye brimming with confidence, having secured a convincing, Mitchell Moses-led win over the Tigers in their last outing. Charlie Guymer comes in for the suspended Kelma Tuilagi in an otherwise unchanged line-up.
Last week’s loss raised fresh questions about the Sharks’ top four credentials. Cronulla squandered several key chances and lacked polish in execution – a concern that will only grow louder should they drop this one. All eyes will be on Nicho Hynes, whose ability to control and close out big games remains under scrutiny. If the Sharks are to seize the initiative, they’ll need dominance through the middle, where the Eels have shown signs of fatigue. Expect Addin Fonua-Blake to target this with his trademark late-half crash plays.
For Parramatta, this match is a chance to kickstart their season in earnest. With Moses back and firing – as evidenced by his three try assists and 381 kicking metres against the Tigers – the Eels’ spine looks far more dangerous. Young gun Isaiah Iongi continues to grow in confidence alongside his captain, and when the Eels’ backline is clicking, their combination of pace and flair is hard to contain.
This match-up is far tighter than it might have looked just weeks ago. The Sharks are still capable of grinding out results, but the Eels, energised by Moses’ return, may just have the edge. If their star halfback brings his A-game again, the Eels could sneak home in a thriller to open Magic Round.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 2.
Check out our Magic Round predictions here.
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