2025 NRL: Round 7 Preview, Tigers Vs Eels

Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 7 clash between the Wests Tigers and the Parramatta Eels.

MATCHDAY NEWS

MATCHDAY SCHEDULE

Wests Tigers Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Date: Monday April 21, 4:00pm

MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To’a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 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. Tony Sukkar 19. Heath Mason 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Solomona Faataape 22. Tristan Hope

Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Brendan Hands 22. Jordan Samrani

Referee: Liam Kennedy
Bunker: Adam Gee

MATCHDAY PREVIEW

One of the highlights of the Easter long weekend, the clash between the Tigers and Eels is set to unfold before a near sell-out crowd. The last time these two sides met earlier this year, the Tigers ran away with a blowout victory. Will they make it two from two, or can the Eels claim a much-needed second win of the season?

There’s been significant team news on both sides. For the home team, the Tigers’ young gun Lachlan Galvin has been dropped after rejecting a contract extension with the club. Jarome Luai shifts into five-eighth to replace him, while Adam Doueihi slots in at halfback. Brent Naden returns from a knee injury to start in the centres, and Luke Laulilii comes onto the wing in place of Jeral Skelton.

Meanwhile, the Eels receive a major boost with the long-awaited return of captain and halfback Mitchell Moses. Adding to that is the inclusion of 2025 recruit Jack Williams, giving the Eels one of their strongest line-ups of the season. Kelma Tuilagi also returns after a stint in NSW Cup, while Matt Doorey and Luca Moretti have been named on the bench.

The Tigers come into this one off an impressive win over the Newcastle Knights and won’t need to change much. Their forward pack has become one of the most dominant in the competition, with Terrell May and Fonua Pole playing big minutes and regularly outmuscling their opposition. They’ll no doubt look to target the Eels’ underperforming forwards, knowing that winning the middle could open the floodgates. While Galvin’s absence is a blow, Doueihi has proven he can steer the side — he was impressive in the halves during the pre-season trials.

For the Eels, Moses’ return is a game-changer. If there’s one thing they’ve lacked, it’s a steady senior voice among the youthful squad. He brings structure, direction, and an immediate spark to their attack — currently ranked second-worst in the league. Perhaps most crucially, his kicking game will help relieve pressure and gain territory, something the Eels have sorely missed when their pack has been on the back foot. If there’s one player to watch for Parramatta, it’s undoubtedly their number 7.

This match is shaping up to be far tighter than their last encounter. The storylines only add to the drama: how will the Tigers respond to the Galvin situation? Can Moses turn the Eels around — and if not, where to next for Parramatta? Either way, it promises to be an exciting finish to the round.

MATCHDAY PREDICTION

Eels by 4 points.

Check out all the NRL Predictions here.

Follow Us on Facebook