Matchday Details
Saturday, 2nd May – 5:30pm (AEST) – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Gerard Sutton | Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Parramatta Eels: 1. Joash Papalii, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Mitchell Moses (c), 8. Luca Moretti, 9. Ryley Smith, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Charlie Guymer, 12. Jack Williams, 13. Jack De Belin, 14. Tallyn Da Silva, 15. Saxon Pryke, 16. Toni Mataele, 17. Dylan Walker, 18. Kelma Tuilagi, 19. Lorenzo Talataina, 20. Jordan Samrani, 21. Teancum Brown, 22. Araz Nanva
New Zealand Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark, 14. Sam Healey, 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 20. Luke Metcalf, 21. Kayliss Fatialofa, 22. Te Maire Martin, 23. Makaia Tafua
Match Preview
The in-form New Zealand Warriors travel across the ditch to take on a weakened Parramatta Eels side in Sydney. Can the Eels produce another brave performance at home, like their last against the Bulldogs, or will the Warriors continue their winning ways and challenge the Penrith Panthers for the top of the table?
The Eels were valiant last week, building on their performance against the Bulldogs, but ultimately fell short against the Manly Sea Eagles. One thing that has shifted, in the face of their injury crisis following their abysmal performance against the Gold Coast Titans, is their attitude. Joash Papalii personified this, chasing and competing on every play. At no point did the Eels hang their heads or give up, but their depleted stocks caught up with them against a much fitter side. Meanwhile, the Warriors won a close one in front of a sold-out Wellington crowd, which highlights just how far they’ve come as a team. This year, they are not a side that fluctuates week-to-week: they are consistent, tough, and hard-working.
The Eels have named an unchanged squad. Many fans will breathe a sigh of relief seeing Dylan Walker named, after he left the field early last week in what was feared to be another addition to the injury list. Jordan Samrani is on the extended bench and may feature in the backline late. Meanwhile, the Warriors have named Adam Pompey in place of Ali Leiataua, while Tanner Stowers-Smith replaces Mitch Barnett.
In recent weeks, the Eels’ tactic has been simple: compete, work hard, reduce errors, and give themselves a chance. That simplicity is necessary given their outs, and it proved effective against the Bulldogs two weeks ago. Last week, they competed and worked hard but were let down by simple errors, which they must address.
Junior Paulo will shoulder significant responsibility against a Warriors forward pack that is strong from 9 to 13. In recent weeks, he has put in huge shifts, clearly aware of his role among younger teammates. However, it may be a bridge too far against the likes of James Fisher-Harris and Jackson Ford, who are in elite form.
It may not have been said before, but Mitch Moses versus Tanah Boyd shapes as a battle between two elite halves. Moses is well established, while Boyd has come of age this season, steering the Warriors around with control and composure. With an elite backline outside him and some suspect defence among the Eels, he looms as a likely source of try assists.
The last time these sides met, the Eels upset the Warriors at home. Overall, they have faced each other 46 times, with the Eels winning 27, including two of three at CommBank Stadium. Ultimately, expect another competitive effort from the Eels: however, their current line-up may not be strong enough to overcome a fit, in-form Warriors side.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Warriors by 10.
Bold call: Alofiana Khan-Pereira to score a double.
Related
- NRL Round 9 Predictions
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- NRL Match Review Tracker
