NRL

Round 22 delivers good news on two fronts for the Parramatta Eels after an important victory over the Manly Sea Eagles last week. Firstly and quite significantly – Ryan Matterson looks to have avoided any serious side effects from a potential concussion. Given Matto’s history in this regard this is a huge outcome on both an individual and team level. This sees the Eels post an unchanged starting thirteen this week as they host the troublesome South Sydney Rabbitohs.

On the bench however there is some action with Ofahiki Ogden set to make his Parramatta Eels debut this week. The bruising prop forward replaces Makahesi Makatoa as coach Brad Arthur looks to keep his rotation fresh. This isn’t a like for like replacement mind you and that is reason to get excited as Ogden gives the Blue & Gold a more explosive option to inject into the game. Ogden’s ability to produce the big run or hit in the NSW Cup has certainly caught the eye in 2022 and hopefully he can be the catalyst to bringing the impact back to Parramatta’s bench.

Bailey Simonsson does feature in the extended roster but will make his eventual return to the NRL via the NSW Cup. Arthur has elected to reward the incumbent backline which features Tom Opacic at left centre and Waqa Blake at right wing. The current configuration hasn’t been without its own issues (in particular that first half against Manly) but they have shown they can adaptive in defence while also capitalising on attacking opportunities.

South Sydney might be Parramatta’s most disadvantageous match-up in the entire NRL. There is no arguing that the Bunnies have the wood on the Eels over a number of seasons now, even extending into the current year where they accounted for Parramatta to the tune of 30-12 in Round 16. Friday night is not only crucial to the battle for the Top 4 given the proximity of the Eels (5th) and Rabbitohs (6th) on the ladder but also mentally with Parramatta honestly needing to get this gorilla sized rabbit off their backs.

This might be the prime opportunity to do exactly that as while the Rabbitohs boast stars like Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Damien Cook and Cameron Murray they are far from full strength this week. Key contributors like Campbell Graham and Tom Burgess are absent while there is also a cloud over the availability of halfback Lachlan Ilias. Even without Mitchell Moses, this is as good as it gets for the Eels. They need to strike hard and fast on Friday night and prevent the Rabbitohs from dictating the pace of the game.

The Parramatta Eels take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 7:55PM on Friday night at CommBank Stadium.

NRL Team List

1. Clinton Gutherson (c)
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Tom Opacic
5. Waqa Blake
6. Dylan Brown
7. Jake Arthur
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Ryan Matterson

14. Ofahiki Ogden
15. Bryce Cartwright
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Marata Niukore

18. Makahesi Makatoa
19. Bailey Simonsson
20. Ky Rodwell
21. Sean Russell
22. Elie El-Zakhem

NSW Cup

As with the NRL, the NSW Cup enter this week in a pivotal contest with exactly the same ladder seedings in play. The Eels (5th) take on the Rabbitohs (6th) with both teams hunting the North Sydney Bears and the prize that is 4th place on the ladder.

Parramatta get some timely reinforcements for this must-win game with Captain-Coach Jordan Rankin returning to steer the side from halfback. Boosting the backline is Bailey SImonsson who will play in the centres this week while Makahesi Makatoa softens the loss of Ofahiki Ogden quite nicely. On paper and considering recent form this is a team that should be well equipped for a competitive South Sydney team on Friday night.

The Parramatta Eels take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 5:30PM on Friday night at CommBank Stadium.

NSW Cup Team List

1. Hayze Perham
2. Solomone Naiduki
3. Bailey Simonsson
4. Zac Cini
5. Sean Russell
6. Jack A Williams
7. Jordan Rankin (c)
8. Wiremu Greig
9. Mitch Rein
10. Makahesi Makatoa
11. Elie El-Zakhem
12. Toni Mataele
13. Ky Rodwell

14. Brendan Hands
15. Tevita Taumoepenu
16. Dan Keir
17. Jayden Yates

Jersey Flegg

Despite a sparkling 38-8 win over the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday night, speculation that the Jersey Flegg has moved to a Top 5 format in 2022 has somewhat dampened the mood at TCT. If true, that leaves our lads at essentially impossible odds to make the finals with any number of those close losses earlier this year coming back to haunt them.

Still, there is plenty to play for given that the goal for these young men is an eventual NRL career and as such the show rolls on to Saturday where they host the Rabbitohs at Ringrose Park at 3:00PM. Samuel Loizou slides back to Flegg following Simonsson turning out for the Cup where he will play in the centres. Otherwise there are plenty of familiar faces this week as the Eels look to have found consistency just a smidge too late.

The Parramatta Eels take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 3:00PM on Saturday afternoon at Ringrose Park.

Jersey Flegg Team List

1. Dantoray Lui
2. Moala Graham-Taufa
3. Jabriel Kalache
4. Samuel Loizou
5. Turoa Williams
6. Mac Puafisi
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Peter Taateo
9. Kruz Niutili-Schmidt
10. Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa
11. Ryan Jones
12. Felix Niutili-Schmidt
13. Brock Parker

14. Jacob Davis
15. Saxon Pryke
16. Larry Muagututia
17. Jack Colovatti

18. Nikau Wrathall

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