Manly’s push for a top-four finish continues as they face a Parramatta side looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss. With key players missing on both sides, this shapes as a pivotal clash at CommBank Stadium.

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Matchday Details

Sunday 5th July – 2:00pm AEST – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Grant Atkins | Senior Review Official: Drew Oultram

Parramatta Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Jordan Samrani, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Jonah Pezet, 8. Luca Moretti, 9. Tallyn Da Silva, 10. Jack Williams (c), 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Kitione Kautoga, 13. Jack De Belin, 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Sam Tuivaiti, 16. Teancum Brown, 17. Harrison Edwards, 18. Joash Papalii, 19. Charlie Guymer, 20. Apa Twidle, 21. Ryley Smith, 22. Toni Mataele

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic (c), 2. Jason Saab, 3. Clayton Faulalo, 4. Reuben Garrick, 5. Lehi Hopoate, 6. Joey Walsh, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Kobe Hetherington, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Ben Trbojevic, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Josh Feledy, 15. Nathan Brown, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Simione Laiafi, 18. Aaron Schoupp, 19. Zaidas Muagututia, 20. Hugo Hart, 21. Blake Wilson, 22. Fletcher Baker

Match Preview

The Eels return home this week looking to redeem themselves after a poor showing last round. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles have a top-four finish firmly in their sights and simply need to keep winning to remain in that conversation.

After a month of competitive football and a bye, the Eels produced one of their most disappointing performances in recent weeks. The biggest frustration for both Jason Ryles and the Parramatta faithful was that the Rabbitohs rarely had to work for their points. Repeated errors and ill-discipline handed South Sydney field position and possession, allowing them to capitalise on the Eels’ mistakes.

The challenge does not get any easier this week. Manly arrive at CommBank Stadium full of confidence after dismantling their arch-rivals, the Storm, 30–4. It was another statement performance under Kieran Foran’s “Fozball” approach and continued the club’s impressive rise.

Parramatta have made one change, with Jonah Pezet replacing Mitch Moses, who is away on representative duty. After an injury-interrupted season and a handful of underwhelming appearances, Pezet now has an opportunity to reset and show why the club brought him to Parramatta.

Manly have several changes of their own. Joey Walsh replaces the injured Luke Brooks, while Clayton Faulalo and Reuben Garrick come into the backline for Tolutau Koula and Josh Feledy. Corey Waddell fills the vacancy left by Origin-bound Haumole Olakau’atu, and Kobe Hetherington returns after missing last week under concussion protocols.

On paper, the two sides appear more evenly matched than usual, largely due to the key players unavailable. Parramatta will certainly be relieved that Olakau’atu is absent after their edge defence struggled to contain South Sydney’s powerful back-rowers last week. That said, Waddell and Ben Trbojevic remain dangerous edge runners who will test the Eels all afternoon.

The Eels’ forward pack is capable of laying a strong platform, but last week’s performance highlighted the need for simplicity. If Ryles has one message for his middle forwards, it will be straightforward: run first, run second, and run third. Too many unnecessary offloads, overplayed passes, and handling errors gifted cheap possession to the Rabbitohs. Winning the ruck and completing sets must be the priority this week.

Tom Trbojevic looked back to his brilliant best upon returning from injury and remains the most dangerous player on the field. On a dry Sunday afternoon, he has the ability to take over a game. His opposite number, Isaiah Iongi, was unusually quiet by his standards last week. Parramatta are at their best when Iongi is heavily involved, and they will need a much stronger performance from their young fullback.

The battle in the halves is equally intriguing. Ronald Volkman has performed admirably throughout the season, whether partnering Moses or filling in for him. Still developing, he consistently competes on every play and rarely fails through lack of effort.

For Pezet, this shapes as a defining opportunity. Originally recruited as an experienced stop-gap while Parramatta developed its younger playmakers, he has yet to consistently reach the level he displayed at Melbourne. With Moses absent, this is his chance to lead the side around the park and show he can control an NRL team.

For Manly, Walsh is one of the club’s most exciting young prospects, and the remainder of the season offers him a valuable opportunity to cement his place. Alongside him, Jamal Fogarty has once again been a steady hand, although questions remain about his ability to close out tight contests after criticism following Manly’s loss to the Bulldogs earlier this season.

History favours the home side at CommBank Stadium. The Eels have won six of the past seven meetings between these clubs at the venue. Overall, Manly hold the advantage, winning 91 of the 154 clashes between the two teams.

Parramatta have generally responded well after disappointing performances this season, and another improved effort would not be a surprise. However, the Sea Eagles are playing some of their best football of the year and have plenty to play for as they chase a top-four finish. If they maintain their current form, they should have enough class to leave CommBank Stadium with the two competition points.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Sea Eagles by 10
Full Round 18 tips → /nrl-round-18-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Youngster Joey Walsh to win Man of the Match.

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