Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 5 clash between the Eels and Dragons.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Saturday April 5, 3:00pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Dan Keir 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Brendan Hands 22. Ronald Volkman
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Sione Finau 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Bunker: Kasey Badger
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Eels host the Dragons this week at CommBank Stadium on what promises to be a picture-perfect afternoon in Sydney. With both sides having made unconvincing starts to the season — and the home side still searching for their first win — this clash may carry a sense of early-season desperation as each team looks to build momentum.
The Eels have made a few key changes that could help inspire a breakthrough victory. Dylan Walker, an early-season signing from the Warriors, comes onto the bench in a utility role. Ryley Smith completes a remarkable journey, rising from a train-and-trial deal to starting hooker. Luca Moretti, returning from an Achilles injury, has been named on the bench, while Bailey Simonsson has been listed as a reserve after two strong weeks in NSW Cup — and could be a late inclusion.
The Dragons, meanwhile, have opted for stability after their gutsy win over the Melbourne Storm. David Klemmer will start after making his club debut off the bench last week, while Toby Couchman comes into the 17 to replace the suspended Emre Guler.
Despite remaining winless, the Eels can take heart from recent performances. Their goal-line defence has been resilient, and they’ve consistently created opportunities to win. However, without their captain Mitch Moses, their halves have struggled to spark points. Much attention will fall on new recruit Zac Lomax, who faces his former club and has been a bright spot for Parramatta — averaging nearly 200 metres per game so far. His position may shift if Simonsson is included late, potentially pushing Lomax back to the wing, where he’s produced some of his best work. Either way, expect him to be fired up against his old teammates.
For the Dragons, the spotlight is on Clint Gutherson — the former Eels skipper and now arguably the Dragons’ most influential player. With three try assists, ten tackle breaks, and 173 running metres per game, Gutherson has been at the heart of everything good for the Red V. His drive and competitive edge were instrumental in the Dragons’ upset over the Storm. Though he left Parramatta on respectable terms, the club’s decision to prioritise youth over experience will no doubt serve as added motivation for the veteran fullback.
Perfect weather and fast track conditions should favour attacking football — though this hasn’t been Parramatta’s strength of late. That said, the injection of Walker could bring much-needed spark in the middle third. With the backing of a home crowd and a growing urgency to get off the mark, the Eels may just do enough to scrape by in a tight one.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 7 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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