The Roosters return from the bye looking to strengthen their grip on a top-four spot, while Parramatta aim to continue their habit of upsetting the odds. With Origin stars backing up and Daniel Tupou set to celebrate his 300th NRL game, Saturday night’s clash at Allianz Stadium promises plenty of intrigue.
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Matchday Details
Saturday 11th July – 7:35pm (AEST) – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Adam Gee | Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Sydney Roosters: 1. James Tedesco (c), 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Hugo Savala, 8. Naufahu Whyte, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Spencer Leniu, 11. Salesi Foketi, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Benaiah Ioelu, 15. Taylor Losalu, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. De La Salle Va’a, 18. Rex Bassingthwaighte, 19. Tommy Talau, 20. Toby Rodwell, 21. Reece Foley, 22. Cody Ramsey, 23. Reece Robson, 24. Sam Walker
Parramatta Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Jordan Samrani, 4. Araz Nanva, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Mitchell Moses (c), 8. Sam Tuivaiti, 9. Tallyn Da Silva, 10. Jack Williams, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Kitione Kautoga, 13. Jack De Belin, 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Toni Mataele, 16. Teancum Brown, 17. Harrison Edwards, 18. Joash Papalii, 19. Charlie Guymer, 20. Saxon Pryke, 21. Ryley Smith, 22. Jonah Pezet
Match Preview
The Roosters will be looking to shore up their place in the top four as they host the Eels. While they will start as clear favourites, their opponents have shown all season that, just when you think they’re done, they find a way to win. The stakes may not be as high for the Eels, with their finals hopes all but over, but they’ll still be determined to finish the season as high on the ladder as possible.
Prior to their bye, the Roosters came out on top against last year’s premiers, the Broncos. With only five losses to their name this season, they’re as genuine a premiership contender as they’ve been in some time. Meanwhile, the Eels ground out their sixth win of the year against the Sea Eagles, once again defying expectations. Whenever you think you’ve worked out Parramatta’s form, they find a way to surprise you, for better or worse. With that in mind, few could confidently predict what they’ll produce this week.
James Tedesco and Mark Nawaqanitawase have both been named to back up from Origin, while Reece Robson and Sam Walker have been listed in the reserves. Connor Watson comes into the starting side for Robson, while Hugo Savala replaces Walker in the halves. Lindsay Collins misses the match after suffering a concussion, with Spencer Leniu taking his place. For the Eels, there are few changes. Mitch Moses has also been named to back up from Origin, while the only other change sees Araz Nanva come into the side for Sean Russell.
As always, the Roosters have strike power right across the park. While they’ll miss Robson’s service from dummy-half and Walker’s creativity, Watson and Savala are more than capable replacements. Leniu will be looking to lead the Roosters’ middle forwards and continue answering critics after carrying the ‘overrated’ tag from some this season. Opposite him, Eels junior Sam Tuivaiti has another great opportunity to continue his development against the four-time premiership-winning forward.
The biggest inclusion for the Eels is Moses, whose season has once again been interrupted by injury. When he has played, he hasn’t quite reached the lofty standards he set in previous years, and he’ll be eager to build momentum heading into the back end of the season. While the Roosters are without Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans has more than enough experience to guide the side around the park and help Savala settle into his role.
The Roosters also hold the edge in the outside backs, boasting more strike and experience, particularly with captain James Tedesco backing up from Origin. For the Eels, Brian Kelly has quietly been one of the club’s most underrated performers this season, with his strong carries and tough work out of the backfield earning plenty of praise from fans.
On the whole, in a match where Daniel Tupou celebrates his 300th game, in front of what should be a packed crowd, with a top four spot still on the line, the Roosters simply have too much to play for to fall short against a young and inconsistent Eels side.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Roosters by 10
Full Round 19 tips → /nrl-round-19-predictions-2026/
Bold call: James Tedesco to back up Origin with a Man of the Match performance.
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Related
- Full Round 19 coverage → /nrl/2026-season/round-19
- NRL Round 19 Team Lists → /nrl-round-19-team-lists-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
