Round 17 kicks off with a crucial clash at CommBank Stadium as the Eels host the Rabbitohs, with both sides chasing very different goals. Parramatta look to build momentum and finish their season strongly, while South Sydney aim to keep their top-four push on track in what shapes as a tight and intriguing contest.

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Matchday Details

Thursday, 25th June – 7:50pm (AEST) – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Gerard Sutton | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Parramatta Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Jordan Samrani, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Mitchell Moses (c), 8. Luca Moretti, 9. Tallyn Da Silva, 10. Jack Williams, 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. Saxon Pryke

South Sydney Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Latrell Siegwalt, 4. Tallis Duncan, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Ashton Ward, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Keaon Koloamatangi, 11. David Fifita, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Cameron Murray (c), 14. Lachlan Hubner, 15. Jamie Humphreys, 16. Liam Le Blanc, 17. John Radel, 18. Jayden Sullivan, 19. Dayne Jennings, 20. Moala Graham-Taufa, 21. Bronson Garlick, 22. Thomas Fletcher

Match Preview

Two teams in vastly different positions meet this Thursday night. The home side, coming off a win against the Raiders, will be looking to finish their season strongly despite being unlikely to feature in the finals. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and won’t want to let this opportunity slip.

It’s been a difficult year for the Eels, who have suffered the highest injury toll in the NRL. Prior to their bye, they finally earned reward for a series of high-effort performances with a scrappy victory over the Raiders, having fallen just short against both the Bulldogs and Knights in the preceding weeks.

The Rabbitohs, meanwhile, headed into their bye on the back of a huge win over the reigning premiers, the Broncos. One thing they have demonstrated throughout the season, however, is that their best and worst performances are worlds apart. Wayne Bennett will be hoping to narrow that gap and build some consistency as the season approaches its final stages.

The Eels have made one change, and it’s a welcome one. Mitch Moses returns to the side, shifting Ron Volkman to five-eighth and Joash Papalii to the interchange bench. While Parramatta are still far from full strength due to three season-ending injuries, this is as close as they have come to fielding their strongest line-up in some time.

The Rabbitohs also have just one change, with NSW representative Cameron Murray returning to the side. His inclusion sees Lachlan Hubner move to the bench.

This shapes as a fascinating match-up across the park, with both sides holding advantages in different areas. Through the middle, the Rabbitohs appear to have the edge. Keaon Koloamatangi and David Fifita have far more runs on the board as damaging ball-runners than their counterparts, and Parramatta have struggled to win the contact battle in many of their games this season. If South Sydney’s forwards can impose themselves, they should be able to bend the line, generate quick play-the-balls, and create opportunities for their outside men.

The battle in the backs is harder to separate, largely due to the injuries the Rabbitohs are carrying. Had they been able to call upon players such as Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton, the advantage would clearly sit with the visitors. As it stands, the two biggest threats line up opposite each other in Josh Addo-Carr and Alex Johnston. There should be plenty of healthy competition between them to see who can cross for more tries.

Where the Eels hold a clear advantage is in the halves. While veteran Cody Walker remains a dangerous presence, South Sydney’s lack of a consistent halfback has been an issue in recent seasons. Moses, now back from injury, is at his best one of the premier playmakers in the game and will no doubt be eager to impress as he looks to cement his place in the NSW side.

In what will be Moses’ 250th NRL appearance, this shapes as a close encounter on a freezing Thursday night in Sydney. The Eels have shown enough in recent weeks to suggest they can produce another strong performance and, with some much-needed class returning to the line-up, may finally have what it takes to finish the job.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Eels by 1.
Full Round 17 tips → /nrl-round-17-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Mitch Moses to win Man of the Match in his 250th game.

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