NRL Team List
The Eels celebrated the retention of head coach Brad Arthur until the end of 2019 by putting the handbrakes on the finals aspirations of the Manly Sea-Eagles. The 10-9 victory was all grit and undoubtedly came off as a dour affair to neutrals but once again it served to highlight just how mentally tough and committed this outfit has become under the tutelage of Arthur. Bevan French once again flashed his incredible ability to create something out of next-to-nothing and in an important gesture by Brad Arthur, French was given his first look at fullback in the NRL in the final quarter of the game. It won’t go down as young Bevan’s finest stint in the custodial role after coughing up a grubber kick on his goal line but there were signs that the team looked more energised in their ball movement on the edges – particularly down the right.
Moving onto the this week’s team list and Eels fans will be despondent at the exclusion of captain and enforcer Beau Scott. Scott looked to aggravate a troublesome ankle injury late in the victory over Manly and has been replaced by the resurgent Peni Terepo. David Gower and Rory O’Brien join an extended bench as a result of Terepo’s promotion. The other big absentee is the famed flanker, Semi Radradra, who had been rumoured to an inclusion this week. Vai Toutai is name to start on the left flank for the Eels but it certainly isn’t out of the question that Radradra takes to the field on Friday night.
This week marks a milestone game for Michael Gordon who brings up his 200th NRL cap.
Dyldam Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 12 August
1. Michael Gordon
2. Vai Toutai
3. Michael Jennings
4. Brad Takairangi
5. Bevan French
6. Clinton Gutherson
7. Jeff Robson
8. Danny Wicks
9. Isaac De Gois
10. Tim Mannah (c)
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. Peni Terepo
Interchange
14. Kaysa Pritchard
15. David Gower
16. Kenny Edwards
17. Daniel Alvaro
18. Rory O’Brien
Intrust Super Premiership Team List
The little team that could! Wentworthville’s stunning late-season resurgence continues to run unchecked as they made it five wins on the trot with a solid 28-20 victory over the North Sydney Bears and in doing so, finally claw their way back into Top 8 calculations as the Magpies (9th) join the Panthers (6th), Roos (7th) and Bears (8th) on 24pts.
The brains trust of Cayless and Grima will be boosted by the return of Kelepi Tanginoa, who has finally recovered from an ankle syndesmosis injury and will run out on Saturday afternoon with the #13 on his back. The Magpies will also look for repeat efforts from the likes of James Hasson and Scott Schulte, who both put together season-best performances on Sunday as they look to topple the fourth placed Tigers.
Wentworthville Magpies Intrust Super Premiership NSW side v Wests Tigers, Campbelltown Stadium, Saturday 13 August.
1. Honeti Tuha
2. Scott Schulte
3. Jake Butler-Fleming
4. John Folau
5. Roydon Gillett
6. Dylan Izzard
7. Cameron King
8. James Hasson
9. Sam Gorman
10. Joseph Ualesi
11. Cody Nelson (c)
12. Yileen Gordon
13. Kelepi Tanginoa
Interchange
14. Aaron Pene
15. Nick Kassis
22. Adrian Ha’angana
25. Evan Lee
Holden Cup Team List
The Eels punched their ticket to the post-season with a 24-10 victory over the Sea-Eagles (securing the vital 30 competition points) on Friday night and now Luke Burt’s boys will want to lock up their berth in the Top 4 with four rounds to go. This week they face a Brisbane Broncos outfit that will be desperate for a win given they are placed 9th on the ladder but are still adrift of the Top 8 by four points.
Burt has recalled senior bookend Alex Twal (aided by the return of Kelepi Tanginoa in the ISP) utility power house Tui Oloapu and the resultant reshuffle sees Steve Dresler and Jye Challenor drop out of the team.
Dyldam Parrmatta Eels Holden Cup v Brisbane Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 12 August.
1. Mason Cerruto
2. James Gammidge
3. Tyrell Fuimaono
4. Dane Aukafolau
5. Jermaine Mati-Leifi
6. Michael Doolan
7. Troy Dargan
8. Alex Twal
9. Denzal Tonise (c)
10. Jamie Stowers
11. Jack Morris
12. Tom Field
13. Tom Amone
Interchange
14. Dean Matterson
15. Tui Oloapu
16. Kurt De Luis
17. Matt Price
I think it’s time that brad told Scott to go under the knife on his ankle. Get a head start on next year.
Strong line up for the NRL team. I’m hoping we can take Brisbane. It will be tough even tho they are not in form. I’m hoping they Brisbane play well below there best. We need to win as much as we can to stay away from the bottom teams.
Under the knife for a sprained ankle, Snedden?!? I’m glad you’re not my doctor.
He has other injuries that need cleaning up pou.
Would be nice to see Wenty take the Tigers and consolidate a spot in the 8. Considering their mid season form slump they are finishing strong
The last time that Wenty played the Tigers, the Tigers gave them an embarrassing touch up at Ringrose. In the NRL, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Semi play.
Hoping semi plays, but no point rushing him back early. I thought Cornish would be back from his knee injury by now? Very promising to have Kelepi back though, he was an absolute wrecking ball until he got injured.
Would be great to get another 3/3 this weekend!
Cornish was named last weekend but the club’s injury report suggests he picked up a new injury through the week.
Ive seen tougher Cornish Pasties
I had few when in UK snake, and they are good. Soft but flaky pastry and good mixture inside that can withstand 80 mins.
Mitch, love em mate