The final match of the NRLW regular season features the Parramatta Eels and the Sydney Roosters, and there is a lot at stake as both sides have finals goals that they are yet to achieve.

The Eels need to win to be a chance of qualifying for next week’s semi-finals.. Unfortunately it’s also contingent on the Cowboys beating the Knights on Saturday for the Eels to overtake Newcastle on the ladder. 

Meanwhile, a Roosters win would help them claim the minor premiership.

Game Info

Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024

Kick-off: 3:15 PM AEST

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta 

Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski

Broadcast: Foxtel and Nine Gem

Live Stream: Kayo & Nine Now

Team Lists

Parramatta Eels

1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Rosie Kelly 5. Monique Donovan 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Taneka Todhunter 10. Madeline Jones 11. Chloe Jackson 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Breanna Eales 14. Rosemarie Beckett 15. Tyla Amiatu 16. Jade Fonua 17. Lindsay Tui

18. Mia Middleton 19. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 20. Ruby-Jean Kennard 21. Kate Fallon 23. Tafao Asaua

After narrowly defeating the Raiders last round, the Eels have named an unchanged side for this must-win clash.

Back to back wins would have instilled confidence in the side and coach Georgallis would be unwilling to disrupt the team dynamic.

Sydney Roosters

1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jasmin Strange 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Mia Wood 6. Brydie Parker 7. Jocelyn Keller 8. Mille Elliott 9. Keeley Davis 10. Otesa Pule 11. Amber Hall 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Tiana Davidson 14. Tavarna Papalii15. Pani Hopoate 16. Taina Naividi 17. Mya Hill-Moana

18. Samantha Economos 19. Tarryn Aiken 20. Kayla Jackson 21. Shannon Rose

Due to Eliza Lopamaua’s suspension, Amber Hall moves into the starting second row, and Millie Elliott starts after returning from the bench last week. 

Pani Hopoate has been named on the interchange, while Mya Hill-Moana returns to the squad after a concussion. 

Captain Isabelle Kelly has also been named despite an ankle injury last week, and Tarryn Aiken remains in the extended reserves as she recovers from a shoulder injury.

The Game

Rachael Pearson is in fine form after enjoying one of her best NRLW seasons. Her game management has been instrumental in guiding the Eels to five victories from eight starts.

Last week, Pearson’s precision kicking, including two crucial 40/30s, helped set the tone early. If she fires again, Parramatta could pull off an upset.

Aggression and intensity will be key at the start of the game, with Elsie Albert and Breanna Eales needing to lead the way. 

Last week, Eales led the forward pack in running metres, cracking the 100 metre mark. Meanwhile, Albert had four tackle breaks and 42 post contact metres. Their direct running game and control of the middle lays the foundation for Parra’s attack.

Speaking of that attack, Rory Owen has become the find of the season. The likely rookie of the year wasn’t on the radar for supporters, let alone NRLW commentators, at the start of the season. However, along with fellow new-comer Chloe Jackson, the Eels have unearthed young players that the future can be built around. Look for both of these players to make their mark in this game on the edges and out wide.

The Roosters have peaked perfectly this season. The tricolours defence is the best in the competition and the talent they have across the board has clicked, which means the points have flowed in attack.

Isabelle Kelly has been in phenomenal form.. After tallying 350 metres against the Cowboys, and back-to-back efforts of over 260 metres in previous rounds, she is the readily identifiable player that the Eels need to contain to stand a chance of winning.

As far as the forward battle is concerned, Millie Boyle is enemy number one in the Eels quest for field position. Shutting her down would be a priority on Steve Georgallis’ tip sheet, and go a long way towards limiting the Roosters potential dominance through the middle.

Starting well and finding consistent line speed in defence will be another major goal on the Eels game plan. They need to apply the pressure to stop the Roosters from getting on the front foot. If the Roosters ball carriers are gifted too much latitude, they can run rampant against any team.

If the results of the earlier games fall the Eels way, the motivation for the Blue and Golds will be at a season high. They’ll need to channel every bit of that against the premiership favourites.

Prediction: Roosters by 8 

Player of the Game: Isabelle Kelly

Kye

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