NRL Team List

It feels like 2016 has been nothing but a string of challenges and tests on a weekly basis for the Eels as fans look to validate the strength of our team. Can we compete with the Broncos and Cowboys in Rounds 1/2? Can we shake our hoodoo at ANZ against the Bulldogs and Tigers? Can we put away teams we should be beating like the Raiders and Sea Eagles? Round 8 is no different as we enter the Saturday’s prime-time fixture against the Cowboys looking to cement our billing as competition heavyweights. The reigning premiers will be out for vengeance in the return fixture between the two teams after the Eels handed North Queensland their first loss of the year back in Round 2. Brad Arthur is well aware of this and is relishing the challenge, noting to the Triple M that the ‘Cowboys couldn’t come at a better time’. It then comes as little surprise that Arthur has named the same team that prevailed over Manly in Round 7.

Intrust Super Premiership Team List

Wenty are coming into Round 8 off an early bye which will hopefully have Joey Grima’s troops fresh and fired up for the Wests-Tigers. The make up of the majority of the team is as we have come to expect but there are a couple of notable changes this week. Firstly, Scott Schulte finds his way back into the starting team at left centre. Schulte has previously played fullback, wing and backrow from the interchange bench and will be looking to lock down a spot in the starting team. Secondly and by far the more interesting of the two changes is the inclusion of Holden Cup half-come-fullback, Michael Doolan. Doolan will partner Mitch Cornish in the halves with Grima abandoning the patch-work strategy of playing captain Cody Nelson at five-eighth. Doolan’s promotion from the Holden Cup is surprising to say the least after a mixed start to the season in the 20s, especially given the outstanding form of his Holden Cup peer Troy Dargan, but there is no doubting he is a precocious talent and this might be the catalyst for him to realise it.

Wentworthville Magpies side

1. Kieren Moss

2. Bureta Faraimo

3. Vai Toutai

4. Scott Schulte

5. Honeti Tuha

6. Mitch Cornish

7. Michael Doolan

8. Rory O’Brien

9. Cameron King

10. David Gower

11. Kelepi Tanginoa

12. Cody Nelson (c)

13. Kaysa Pritchard

Interchange:

14. Blake Cook

15. Joseph Ualesi

16. Aaron Pene

17. James Hasson

18. Nick Kassis

Read the full team list at parraeels.com.au

Holden Cup Team List

The Eels thumped the Sea Eagles 36-6 in the Holden Cup in Round 7 to ensure that Manly remained without a win in the grade while also securing second place behind the rampant Panthers. Luke Burt has elected to ring through some changes for a variety of reasons. As above, the promotion of Michael Doolan to the Intrust Super Premiership means Burt needs a new fullback and Amanaki Manu, twin brother of Kelepi Manu (who played earlier in the season), will make his debut for the Blue & Gold in the #1 jersey. Denzal Tonise makes his return from injury and will re-assume the mantle of captaincy. Matt Price pushes back to the bench as a result.

Dyldam Parramatta Eels

1. Amanaki Manu

2. Atini Gafa

3. Mason Cerruto

4. Dane Aukafolau

5. Jermaine Mati-Leifi

6. Dean Matterson

7. Troy Dargan

8. Jamie Stowers

9. Denzal Tonise (c)

10. Tom Amone

11. Jack Morris

12. Tyrell Fuimaono

13. Craig Field

Interchange:

14. Matt Price

15. Tom Field

16. Kurt De Luis

17. Tui Oloapu

Read the full team list at parraeels.com.au

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.