NRL Team List
Dyldam Parramatta Eels NRL vs Sydney Roosters, 7.50pm, Friday July 8 at Pirtek Stadium
1. Michael Gordon
2. Semi Radradra
3. Clint Gutherson
4. Brad Takairangi
5. Bevan French
6. Corey Norman
7. Jeff Robson
8. Danny Wicks
9. Isaac De Gois
10. Tim Mannah
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. Beau Scott (c)
Interchange:
14. Kenny Edwards
15. Peni Terepo
16. David Gower
17. Daniel Alvaro
18. Rory O’Brien
Following a heartbreaking loss to the table-topping Cronulla Sharks in a game that was marred by horrendous officiating the Eels will finally welcome back reinforcements as Tim Mannah and Brad Takairangi return from extended injury layoffs while Jeff Robson is rushed into the starting team to partner Corey Norman. With Michael Jennings absent due to Origin duties, Brad Arthur dodges a selection headache in the backline for at least one week with Gutherson and Takairangi forming the centre pairing while Radradra and French hold down the flanks. After flirting with stints on the edges in recent weeks, Tepai Moeroa is now officially named in that capacity – switching roles with captain Beau Scott.
Interestingly, Arthur has elected to run Isaac De Gois as the sole rake this week. This in turn has freed up a spot on the bench for a fourth forward as BA looks to combat the fearsome forward pack of the Roosters with extra grunt from his own pack. Edwards, Terepo, Gower, Alvaro and O’Brien form the extended bench for the Eels. The smart money is on O’Brien dropping off but if Arthur is looking to match the Roosters with size perhaps Gower or Terepo could make way instead as O’Brien is among our biggest forwards.
From here on out the Eels can not afford a single loss if they are to make an impression on the post-season. 9 wins is the immutable goal and while it is a formidable challenge, as we have seen with the high flying Sharks and their 12-game winning steak – it is definitely possible. So strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride.
Intrust Super Premiership Team List
Wentworthville Magpies ISPNSW vs Manly Sea Eagles, 3pm, Saturday July 9 at Brookvale Oval
1. Honeti Tuha
2. Scott Schulte
3. Jake Butler-Fleming
4. Roydan Gillett
5. Bureta Faraimo
6. Dylan Izzard
7. Cameron King
8. Joseph Ualesi
9. Sam Gorman
10. James Hasson
11. Matt Woods
12. Yileen Gordon
13. Cody Nelson (c)
Interchange:
14. Lyndon McGrady
15. Nick Kassis
16. Aaron Pene
20. Evan Lee
Holden Cup Team List
Dyldam Parramatta Eels NYC vs Sydney Roosters, 5.35pm, Friday July 8 at Pirtek Stadium
1. Mason Cerruto
2. James Gammidge
3. Tuimavave Afualo
4. Dane Aukafolau
5. Jermaine Mati-Leifi
6. Michael Doolan
7. Troy Dargan
8. Kurt De Luis
9. Denzal Tonise (c)
10. Jamie Stowers
11. Filia Utoikamanu
12. Tom Field
13. Tom Amone
Interchange:
14. Matt Price
15. Dean Matterson
16. Tangi Hokai
17. Tui Oloapu
18. Steve Dresler
The Eels slumped to a disappointing 36-10 loss to the Sharks in Round 17 and missed a great chance to put a buffer between themselves and the bottom half of the Top 8. They will be looking to rebound against the fifth placed Roosters and shore up their berth in the Top 4 but they will be doing it with a new face or two. With Jack Morris named to the QLD U/20s and Tyrell Fuimaono also absent and tipped be named for the NSW U/20s, Luke Burt has turned to the SG Ball talent pool to boost his team. Filia Utoikamanu has been named to the starting backrow – in a ringing endorsement of the 17-year-old’s talent while SG Ball bookend Steve Dresler joins an extended bench.
The NRL team on paper looks very solid and trained that way. I remarked to Cayless that he didn’t get to keep Robson for very long and he replied that at least he got a win out of him. I think Burt was quite disappointed in last week’s NYC result. They’ll certainly be looking to bounce back this week!
Heard big things about Steve Dresler. How old is he and is he still performing at a high level. Do you think he will be a regular in U20s next year?
I’ve watched Dresler a number of times this year, but nowhere near as often as Forty, Ham or Joe. I’d hope that they can add their comments.
We secured Dresler from the Titans after a similar contract issue to James Roberts. He is a big and mobile prop who can play before or at/in the line with his ball skills. I really like his game sense for a young player. He’s one of those players that just has something about him that screams NRL bound.
I’d see him as an NYC mainstay next year. He’s been playing for Guildford since SG Ball concluded.
Nice report 40/20. We will win Friday and will look fwd to being down there.
Does anyone know about Izzard? Age? Prospect…?
The red headed half from Ball..? Anyone know his name?cheers think he’s from Qld.
That’s Travis Turnbull. He is a talent and is only 17. I’m sure that Forty can give you his full bio/skill set .
That’s him mate. Cheers. He looks good. And seems v quick. Almost as fast as us….!
That looks like the most complete team we have named in a few weeks.
The pressure is certainly on IDG. I believe he is up too it and a smart move by the coach to gain that extra spot on the bench for a forward.
I look forward to see how our team goes with a new conductor running the plays and Norman being freed up to make a few of those runs and hopefully breaks through the line!The roosters are a much better outfit with Pearce running the show and this won’t be an easy game by any stretch.
Eels by 16.
…oh, I’m hoping emphasis is placed on negating French’s freedom and Semi sneaks under the radar to bag a couple of meat pies!
Hi Glenn sorry it has taken so long to reply. Young Steve Dresler has the makings of a very good player unfortunately he was injured this year which kept him out for a while but the mere fact that along with a few other sg ball players he got a start with Guildford and now he is on the extended bench for the U20s the coaching staff think he will make the grade.60,Ham and I think he has got very good skills.Not much I know but I am not much on the key board.