SUNDAY, MARCH 16th
PARRAMATTA EELS v WESTS TIGERS
Commbank Stadium Sydney 4.05pm
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
Changes from last match:
Out: Jake Tago (wing), Kelma Tuilagi (second row)
In: Jordan Samrani (wing), Shaun Lane (second row), Kitione Kautoga (bench), Dan Keir (reserve), Joash Papalii (reserve), Wiremu Greig (reserve), Joey Lussick (reserve)
Changes: Charlie Guymer (bench to reserve)
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
Changes from last match:
Out: Heath Mason (fullback)
In: Jahream Bula (fullback), Starford To’a (centre), Apisai Koroisau (hooker), Charlie Staines (reserve), Latu Fainu (reserve), Tanous Sukkar (reserve)
Changes: Solomona Faataape (centre to reserve), Tristan Hope (hooker to reserve)
Referees, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Belinda Sharpe, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
The Eels suffered a humiliating defeat to the Storm last week, while the Tigers put up a strong fight against the Knights but faded in the second half, ultimately falling short. However, with Jarome Luai leading the way, the Tigers’ attack has become noticeably sharper, and further improvements are expected in this match.
Playing at home, the Eels will be desperate to bounce back in front of their fans. However, with Dylan Brown confirmed to be leaving next season, team morale could take a hit. The Tigers will be looking to capitalize on this and deepen the Eels’ struggles.
CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS v GOLD COAST TITANS
Belmore Sports Ground,6.15pm
Dogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Josh Curran 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Harry Hayes 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Luke Smith 23. Jonathan Sua
Changes from last match:
In: Josh Curran (bench), Kurtis Morrin (reserve), Blake Taaffe (reserve), Luke Smith (reserve), Jonathan Sua (reserve)
Changes: Jaeman Salmon (lock to bench), Kurt Mann (bench to lock)
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 14. Chris Randall 15. David Fifita 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Brock Gray 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Arama Hau 20. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 21. Tom Weaver 22. Tony Francis
Referees, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Damian Brady, Bunker, Chris Butler.
The Bulldogs put in a strong first-half performance against the Dragons last week, but lost focus in the second half and let the game slip away.
Meanwhile, the Titans had a bye last round and likely used the extra time to sharpen up under Des Hasler’s tough coaching. Playing their season opener at the familiar surroundings of Belmore Oval, Hasler will be determined to start with a win.
For the Bulldogs, maintaining focus from start to finish will be crucial. The Titans have the potential to cause an upset, and any lapse in concentration could prove costly.
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