Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 24 clash between the Roosters and Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Sydney Roosters Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Date: Friday August 16, 8:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Spencer Leniu, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Victor Radley, 13. Connor Watson, 14. Sitili Tupouniua, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Terrell May, 18. Sandon Smith, 19. Siua Wong, 20. Ethan King, 21. Salesi Foketi, 22. Robert Toia
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Jake Tago, 3. Viliami Penisini, 4. Blaize Talagi, 5. Sean Russell, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Daejarn Asi, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Brendan Hands, 10. Wiremu Greig, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Ryan Matterson, 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. Kelma Tuilagi, 17. Dan Keir, 18. Ethan Sanders, 19. Maika Sivo, 20. Matt Doorey, 21. Morgan Harper, 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Referee: Grant Atkins
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
This Friday, a Roosters outfit determined to maintain their spot in the top four hosts a resurgent, patchwork Eels team that despite not getting the results, has found a new level of resilience and toughness in recent weeks.
Sitting third, the Roosters have often kept true to their high standards, yet haven’t quite shown themselves to be a genuine force. Before last week’s bye, they won in a high-scoring affair against the Dolphins at 40-34. They’d also won similarly the week before against the Sea Eagles at 34-30. There’s a clear trend: this team can score points, and plenty of them, but can fade in and out of games. It must change if they want to lift the premiership trophy in October.
Meanwhile, the Eels were heartbreakingly close to defeating the reigning premiers. Arguably the best team of the night, they had all but locked in a victory until the Panthers launched a late barrage of tries to win the game. Despite this, the Eels of the past three weeks, missing 40% of their squad, have shown a determination not sighted earlier in the year. It’s very possible this has coincided with the presence of 2025 coach, Jason Ryles, who is lurking in the back to sort the roster for future years.
No changes for Trent Robinson’s team, with the same 17 that ran out two weeks ago against the Dolphins fit and ready to go. Meanwhile, Kelma Tuilagi returns for the Eels, with Maika Sivo listed as a reserve as he eyes a possible return. Despite being named, Ryan Matterson is rumoured to have suffered a rib injury last week and may not play.
On paper, this game is a no-brainer. The Roosters have one of the best backlines in the competition and will want to flex their attacking muscle. The Eels key to victory will be to frustrate the Roosters into errors through defensive grit, which is what they were able to do against a far superior Panthers outfit last week. If they can manage this and keep it close, they may find a way to pip their opposition. However, the Roosters will be looking for a fast-start – early points could quickly put the game out of reach for the Eels. Ultimately, the class of the home-team should get them over the line.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Roosters by 14 points.
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