Fin as in the Latin root word for end that is…although the appendage for aquatic creatures is also relevant given the tropical backdrop.

As we all know, you are only as good as your last game – which is why we only ever trundle out that saying after a win!

We are all well aware that the Parramatta Eels still have plenty of work to do but their drought breaking golden point victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons came at a critical juncture in their season. Suddenly, they are positioned to make a season defining push before their Round 8 bye and thrust themselves back into the hunt for the Top 8.

Jason Ryles has rewarded the same seventeen victorious troops from Round 5 with another tour of duty as the Eels head to the Top End for the final time. Parramatta and Canberra have met at TIO Stadium on two earlier occasions with the Blue & Gold prevailing 18-10 (2014) and 22-16 (2019). Can they complete the hat-trick on the final ball of the series?

NRL Team List

Round 6, 7:35PM Saturday, TIO Stadium

Team List Tuesdays don’t get much easier than this with Jason Ryles windmill slamming copy and paste on the final team sheet from Saturday’s epic clash against the Saints. Worth noting is that Ryley Smith is in line to make his NRL starting debut again after being named in the #9 – although it would be incredibly short-sighted to rule out any pregame shuffles around dummy-half.

Zac Lomax, who had played interchangeably between centre and wing while Jordan Samrani was in the team, officially partners Will Penisini as the right winger. Sean Russell is entrusted to hold down left centre after a productive outing for both he and the left edge on the weekend.

The biggest question mark for mine will be who tours the Northern Territory as part of the extended squad. Dan Keir and Ryan Matterson are safe options in that regard that have ready made replacements at the NSW Cup level but Joash Papalii could also be a consideration.

Canberra are coming off a last-gasp victory of their own after Sebastian Kris scored a wild try in the 78th minute of their clash with the Sharks. It has been difficult to get a read on the Raiders this week with some significant variance in their results but I have to say on the balance of things they are a dangerous team. Their centres and backrowers stand out as threats to the Eels and Parramatta’s first-up contact in defence will need to be strong in the testing Darwinian conditions.

Injury Report

NSW Cup Team List

Round 6, 5:00PM Saturday, Lidcombe Oval

The Cup form the main-event leg of a double header at Lidcombe Oval on Saturday as they look to build on a draw in Round 5. Apa Twidle will start at fullback while Araz Nanva adds even more youth to the backline with his second consecutive game in the centres. Haze Dunster comes back into the team after a short term injury layoff and will be wanting to maintain the red-hot form he displayed before getting sidelined. Speaking of returns, Matt Doorey times his alongside Dunster and starts in the front-row.

Joash Papalii turns out at five-eighth once again as he continues his journey as a front-line play-maker. The bench is also boosted by the additions of Wiremu Greig and Bryce Cartwright.

Jersey Flegg Team List

Round 6, 3:00PM Saturday, Lidcombe Oval

The Flegg are also playing at Lidcombe Oval on Saturday but come into Round 6 on the back of a 12-point win. They pick up some troops from the NSW Cup as well with Tyrese Lokeni and Saxon Pryke reinforcing the backrow. Sebastian Piukala holds his place in the team after a strong 2-try effort in Round 5 but is bumped to the bench to make way for his more experienced cohorts.

Canberra and Parramatta are evenly matched on the ladder coming into this game (ignoring the postponed game the Eels have in hand) with just the one loss for both teams. It sets up a cracking contest with the winner spring boarding into the Top 4.

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