NRL Team List
Round 4, 4:05PM Sunday, 4 Pines Park
Tough day to be a rookie at the Eels. Jordan Samrani and Sam Tuivaiti have been sent down to the NSW Cup by Jason Ryles as Parramatta gear up to take on the Manly Sea Eagles. Samrani’s presence in the Round 4 team was always in doubt due to selection eligibility as a non-Top 30, non-Development prospect. With Sean Russell and Haze Dunster fit and ready – there was really no feasible argument for a roster exception for the third week running.
Russell, unsurprisingly, comes back onto the wing for Samrani and will likely hold that spot now until Bailey Simonsson is back to full fitness and ready to compete for a berth in first-grade.
Tuivaiti, on the other hand, is a move made on other motivations given he holds a place inside the Top 30. Does Ryles want better coverage in the backrow by taking Dan Keir? Do the coaching staff want their young bull to work on something specific in NSW Cup? Or do they simply want to pump extended minutes into him as a starting prop in reserve grade?
These are all plausible reasons and ultimately it is worth remembering that rookies will hit a wall in their first season. Taking extra care to guide them through the rigours of the NRL is good practice. Sam has done extremely well in his first stint considering the struggles of the team around him and will get opportunities to make a bigger impact through the season.
Joe Ofahengaue notches game #200 this week and will be thrust into the game from the interchange. We saw a much improved effort Junior Paulo last week and hopefully Joe can rise to the occasion against Manly to deliver the same.
The Sea Eagles bring Tom Trbojevic back into their starting line-up after a one-week hiatus as Lehi Hopoate pushes over to the wing to make way. Manly lost Taniela Paseka to a ruptured Achilles tendon last week and promote Josh Aloiai to the starting front-row in his place with Nathan Brown returning to fill out the open spot on the bench.
| Parramatta Eels | Manly Sea Eagles | |
| Isaiah Iongi | 1 | Tom Trbojevic |
| Sean Russell | 2 | Jason Saab |
| Will Penisini | 3 | Toutau Koula |
| Zac Lomax | 4 | Reuben Garrick |
| Josh Addo-Carr | 5 | Lehi Hopoate |
| Dylan Brown | 6 | Luke Brooks |
| Dean Hawkins | 7 | Daly Cherry-Evans |
| Jack Williams | 8 | Josh Aloiai |
| Joey Lussick | 9 | Jazz Tevaga |
| Junior Paulo © | 10 | Siosiua Taukeiaho |
| Shaun Lane | 11 | Haumole Olakau’atu |
| Gideon Kautoga | 12 | Ben Trbojevic |
| J’maine Hopgood | 13 | Jake Trbojevic |
| Interchange | ||
| Ryley Smith | 14 | Jake Simpkin |
| Matt Doorey | 15 | Corey Waddell |
| Joe Ofahengaue | 16 | Ethan Bullemor |
| Dan Keir | 17 | Nathan Brown |
| Reserves | ||
| Sam Tuivaiti | 18 | Clayton Faulalo |
| Charlie Guymer | 19 | Jake Arthur |
| Joash Papalii | 20 | Toafofoa Sipley |
| Ronald Volkman | 21 | Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega |
| Jordan Samrani | 22 | Dean Matterson |
| 23 | ||
| Main Official | Todd Smith | |
| Touch Judge | Dave Munro | |
| Touch Judge | Chris Sutton | |
| Senior Review Official | Ashley Klein | |
Injury Report
| Mitch Moses | Foot | Round 7 |
| Luca Moretti | Achilles | Round 5 |
| Richard Penisini | Ribs | Round 5 |
| Will Latu | Ankle | Round 7 |
NSW Cup Team List
Round 4, Sunday 1:45PM, 4 Pines Park
Lots of new faces for the NSW Cup after they fought off the Bulldogs in Round 3. NRL changes and returning players drive the changes mind you as Nathan Cayless cobbles together a handy team to face the Sea Eagles.
Jake Tago is set to return from the shoulder injury sustained back in Round 1 as he is named in the centres. Jordan Samrani will turn out in the other centre slot as Bailey Simonsson pushes out to the wing in the second week of his rehabilitation assignment in reserve grade.
The forward pack is reinforced by the returns of Wiremu Greig from suspension while Sam Tuivaiti gets the start in what is I believe his maiden NSW Cup game. Bryce Cartwright is also back after missing last week to start in the backrow.
Arthur Miller-Stephen is the backline utility option on the bench this week and after that there is some serious beef with Toni Mataele, Brock Parker and the returning Ryan Matterson rounding the rotation.
Saxon Pryke and Meni Luke are named as reserves and it is a tough break for Saxon in particular with the young backrower coming off arguably his best game in the grade last week.
| 1 | Joash Papalii |
| 2 | Haze Dunster |
| 3 | Jake Tago |
| 4 | Jordan Samrani |
| 5 | Bailey Simonsson |
| 6 | Josh Lynn |
| 7 | Ronald Volkman |
| 8 | Wiremu Greig |
| 9 | Brendan Hands |
| 10 | Sam Tuivaiti |
| 11 | Kelma Tuilagi |
| 12 | Bryce Cartwright |
| 13 | Charlie Guymer |
| Interchange | |
| 14 | Arthur Miller-Stephen |
| 15 | Toni Mataele |
| 16 | Brock Parker |
| 17 | Ryan Matterson |
| 18 | Saxon Pryke |
| 19 | Meni Luke |
Jersey Flegg Cup Team List
Round 4, Sunday 12:00PM, 4 Pines Park
A couple of changes for the Under 21s after a stellar defensive showing against the Bulldogs in Round 3. Jordan Rankin has the luxury of bringing back Saxon Pryke this week and slots him into lock as Tyrese Lokeni shifts back to the right-edge to accommodate the move. Raffaele De Stradis slips back to the bench as the final piece to the shuffle.
The #11 and #15 jerseys are currently vacant in the announced team but they were worn by Domenico De Stradis and Jaylen Taewa last week so safest bet is so sort of clerical error and they reprise their roles.
It is great to see Mohamed Alameddine pop up in the extended team list with the talented outside back finally recovering from a preseason injury. He will have to fight his way back into the team now though with the incumbents producing some solid early season form.
| 1 | Apa Twidle |
| 2 | Tuvaka Palu |
| 3 | Antioch Faitala-Mariner |
| 4 | Araz Nanva |
| 5 | Bradley Avery |
| 6 | Cooper Fuller |
| 7 | Matthew Hunter |
| 8 | Damascus Neemia |
| 9 | Jack Hudson |
| 10 | Teancum Brown |
| 11 | Dom De Stradis (TBA?) |
| 12 | Tyrese Lokeni |
| 13 | Saxon Pryke |
| Interchange | |
| 14 | Patrick Spence |
| 15 | Jaylen Taewa (TBA?) |
| 16 | Raffaele De Stradis |
| 17 | Ieti Samuelu |
| 18 | Mohamed Alameddine |
| 19 | Jonah Sullivan |
I’m picking that Joash Papalii will swap with Dylan Brown.
When do you think that it might happen mate?
No chance – we already have inexperienced spine and instability. We will lose 50-0 for weeks if Dylan is dropped before Moses is back.
Dylan is playing poorly but he’s still better than Hawkins and volkman by a long way. And he’s experienced. He will get it together sooner or later.
Ron even if we aren’t all happy with Dylan’s performances in attack & some effort areas.
We currently don’t have anyone at the club who can defend remotely close to what he can in the halves.
Hopefully he can shake off the poor form and put in some good performances shortly.
You know I would rather lose by 50 -0 and observe committment and effort from my 5/8 than put up with this dross every week hoping that he turns up !
Jake Arthur was much maligned on this forum and I personally thought skill wise he was pretty ordinary but he never once dogged it. He gave maximum effort every time he played.
Jake always played hard mate for the jersey and club. I agree with you on that, he was a competitor. Just imagine if he had the skill and athleticism of Dylan brown. He would be a star. What I think annoys most of us fans is that if Dylan Brown decides to show up, he’s one of the most talented players in the nrl at times. So It’s frustrating to see him do what he’s doing. Lol
Yes exactly but mate .. it’s a choice he has made.
He’s obviously just treading water until Moses returns but that could be months away.
He’s dogging it pure and simple.
Hindy is right, get rid of him pronto !
A better question Muz, are you absolutely certain about this?
We currently don’t have any halves who can defend close to what Dylan can provide.
Even if we aren’t happy with Dylan’s form. We need Moses back before considering an inexperienced half. Thats the realistic way to think at this point.
Papalii has been our best nsw cup player this year, and probably our most dangerous ball runner from the trials games, but he will be best to be used in a utility 14 role like Storm does with Wishart or used to do with hynes. A ball runner who can also ball play. Just dumping inexperienced Paplii into his non specialist position (5/8) with no Mitch Moses and a struggling team, is probably a recipe for disaster. I love Joash, but filling in for Iongi if ever unavailable or a 14 role you would suspect is more likely you would think.
I still think we need Joash in this 14 jersey because we are flat and offer no spark in attack. But Jason knows best and obviously he isn’t comfortable with our hookers to hold up his defence and line speed yet for a full 80 possibly. I think at some point we will see Joash or somebody as a utility in the 14 and maybe not just two hookers.
I guess Simmo needs more time and is not rushed back.
I dont mind resting the rookies early in the season. Just watch how they respond compared to our older players.
Joe’s 200th game it maybe his last given form lately. It’s a great milestone game he needs to show something he’s off contract.
Lane and Brown – that same hospital pass he’s been given for years now is just poor football. These two have been on that edge for years should be killing opponents.
Brown is just shovelling left or right puts up a kick. Last year he was chasing everything down. This year he’s walking.
Junior was better but it has to be every game.
Sammrani was definitely an obvious choice, eligibility wise and needing to work on a few things. Russell had a great game in cup. He always looks a class above in reserve grade.
Surprised about Sam. T but as it’s his rookie season, getting some big minutes under his belt won’t hurt. I know Keir isn’t a world beater but he can do a job. I kind of hope he starts and then that allows Lane to be used through the middle.
I have liked Doorey’s work so far this season. It seems like middle might be his spot. I hope he gets trusted with more minutes soon. He’s always had the talent. Injuries have definitely hampered him.
Interesting that Latu is on the injury list. They never name people outside the top 30 or d6. Hopefully a sign of him moving up the pecking order.
Great to see Mo named in 21s. Hopefully not too far away. He is a very good prospect .
Hindy thinks Dylan isn’t offering us much and should possibly let him go.
https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2025-dylan-brown-contract-parramatta-eels-exit-nathan-hindmarsh-podcast-comments-20250325-p5lmgt.html
I don’t think that souls help us mich right now because who do we have to replace him.
It must be bad if club legends like Hindy who rarely criticises a parra player comes out about it. I have heard from fans of other clubs and nobody else can believe Dylan brown got that deal. Maybe even Dylan himself feels guilty or like an imposter. This whole situation is ridiculous and hopefully he can start playing ok again soon.
I suspect the dropping of Big Sam is to do with who we’re playing and maybe better to get big minutes in reserves as opposed to a another big loss in 1st grade.
I’m starting to expect Haze Dunster to make a appearance soon he has put up some good numbers in Reggie’s.
This is a terrible position for Ryles a rookie coach with his key half and captain out injured and his other key playmaker just going thru the motions. While Moses is out I think his just simply hoping that Dylan might just kick back into gear. It’s a results driven business and he is desperate for a win. I’m as frustrated as any eels supporter with Dylan but Ryles is buying abit of time for his options. Once Moses is back it’s a whole different story if Dylan is still costing he will be dropped.
Ryles will feel a lot more comfortable bringing a rookie in at 6 with Mitch.
Joash shows a lot in attack but I’d like to see him play 6 in cup before giving him a shot
I would put Longi at 5/8 and Joash at fb, as long as Longi can handle the extra defensive load. His passing game is quite good, don’t know if he can kick. Both being young, you know they are going to take the game head on, which Dylan is reluctant to do atm.
It would be a slaughter.
Brown missed 2 from 21 attempts.
Iongi missed 2 from 4. He’s the worst defender in the NRL.
Same stat 3 weeks running.
Unless he turns that around he will quickly become a liability.
Agree 57, there’s no way you put Iongi at 6 – well unless you want to give the new 1 plenty of tackling practice, of course! He is as bad a defender as I’ve ever seen in the NRL and he still has a massive amount to learn about fullback positioning as well, he’d be a disaster at 6.