COMMBANK STADIM SYDNEY
Easter Monday Showdown: Tigers and Eels Set for Thrilling Clash
The Wests Tigers and Eels are set to face off in a highly anticipated Easter Monday clash that promises to entertain, regardless of the final outcome.
Coming off a dominant 20-6 victory over Newcastle, the Tigers are looking to build on their strong start to the season. However, despite their recent form, they can’t afford to underestimate the struggling Eels.
Lachlan Galvin, who will be leaving the club at the end of the 2026 season, has been dropped from this week’s squad. Jerome Luai and Adam Doueihi will pair up in the halves. Brent Naden returns from a knee injury and takes over Doueihi’s centre spot, while Luke Laulilii steps in on the wing for Jeral Skelton (hamstring).
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
Out: Jeral Skelton (wing), Lachlan Galvin (five-eighth)
In: Brent Naden (centre), Luke Laulilii (wing), Tanous Sukkar (reserve), Heath Mason (reserve), Kit Laulilii (reserve), Solomona Faataape (reserve), Tristan Hope (reserve)
Changes: Adam Doueihi (centre to halfback), Jarome Luai (halfback to five-eighth)
Parramatta’s Key Changes and Player Returns Ahead of Must-Win Clash
After securing their first win in Round 5, Parramatta was brought back down to earth with a heavy 50-12 loss to the Raiders in Darwin during Round 6. Coach Jason Ryles and his team now face the urgent task of improving their performance and revisiting the fundamentals if they are to turn things around.
In a boost for the side, captain Mitch Moses is set to make his season debut after recovering from a stress fracture in his foot during the offseason. Prop Jack Williams also returns from a knee injury, while Kelma Tuilagi reclaims his spot in the back row. Additionally, Matt Doorey and Luca Moretti have been added to the bench, with Joe Ofahengaue, Ryan Matterson, Charlie Guymer, Shaun Lane, and Dean Hawkins dropping out. Ofahengaue, Matterson, and Lane were demoted to the NSW Cup after the heavy loss to the Raiders. Ofahengaue has since been released to join Leigh in the Super League, while Lane is taking time off to consider his future.
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
Out: Joe Ofahengaue (front row), Charlie Guymer (hooker), Shaun Lane (second row)
In: Mitchell Moses (halfback), Jack Williams (front row), Kelma Tuilagi (second row), Matt Doorey (bench), Sam Tuivaiti (bench), Joash Papalii (reserve), Brendan Hands (reserve), Jordan Samrani (reserve)
Changes: Dean Hawkins (halfback to reserve), Ryley Smith (bench to hooker), Ryan Matterson (bench to reserve)
Referees: Liam Kennedy;Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Phil Henderson; Bunker, Adam Gee.
KEY STATS
The Tigers have won their last three games against the Eels at Commbank Stadium.
The Eels have won only two of their last eight games at CommBank.
Tigers winger Sunia Turuva has scored seven tries in his last five games.
Eels centre Sean Russell has scored four tries in his past four games at CommBank Stadium.
Tigers centre Adam Doueihi will make his 100th NRL appearance.
I like the Tigers in this game.
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