Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 2 clash between the Eels and Tigers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Wests Tigers
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Sunday 16th March, 4:05pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jordan Samrani 6. Dylan Brown 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Jack Williams 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Doorey 16. Kitione Kautoga 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dan Keir 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Joey Lussick 22. Charlie Guymer
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Charlie Staines 19. Latu Fainu 20. Tristan Hope 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Solomona Faataape
Referee: Grant Atkins
Bunker: Kasey Badger
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
A rivalry that always promises fireworks etches another chapter this Sunday when Western Sydney foes, the Eels and Tigers, face off. Both sides are winless after one round and eager to claim their first victory of the season.
The home side, the Eels, endured a humbling start, with the Storm running riot in a 56-18 demolition. If there was any silver lining, it was their ability to limit further damage in the second half. This week, Shaun Lane returns from injury to replace Kelma Tuilagi, Jordan Samrani debuts on the wing for Jake Tago, and Kitione Kautoga joins the bench in place of Charlie Guymer.
The Tigers, meanwhile, fell to the Knights 10-8, after leading 8-0 at the break. Signs of improvement were evident, and their attack should sharpen as new combinations gel. Boosting their chances are the returns of fullback Jahream Bula and captain Api Koroisau, offering fans a glimpse of their full-strength spine.
A key battle looms between the Eels’ rising star Isaiah Iongi and the Tigers’ exciting prospect Jahream Bula. Iongi shone in last week’s loss, providing hope for a future without Clint Gutherson. Bula, now in his third season, is expected to flourish with Jarome Luai guiding the Tigers’ attack.
Another fascinating duel sees Dylan Brown, fresh from securing the richest deal in NRL history, take on young Tiger Lachlan Galvin. Brown will need to lead the Eels in the absence of Mitch Moses, while Galvin (once rejected by the Eels) will relish the chance to prove his former club wrong. With Luai as his mentor, his development could take off this year.
The last meeting between these sides, dubbed the “Spoonbowl,” saw the Eels cruise to a 60-26 victory in the final round of 2024. This clash, however, could be much closer. Both teams missed the most tackles last week, and on a sweltering Sunday in Sydney, fatigue could open the floodgates. In a likely high-scoring contest, the Eels might just have the edge.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 7 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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