The Warriors return home for their first NRLW match in front of their fans since rejoining the competition. This match also marks the Eels first appearance in New Zealand as the Blue and Golds only entered the NRLW premiership after the Warriors departure.
Although the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, the Warriors’ largely inexperienced squad showed plenty of resilience and physicality in their opening round loss. Still, taking on the reigning premiers was a big ask first up for the re-established franchise.
In contrast, the Eels shock 18-16 victory over last year’s grand finalists couldn’t have been more impressive. It was based on an 87% completion rate and standout performances from the likes of Rachael Pearson and Rory Owen.
With one team looking to register their first win, and the other aiming to start their year with back to back victories, it shapes as an early litmus test for both sides as they look to find momentum for their respective campaigns in 2025.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Kick-off: 11:50 AM AEST
Venue: Go Media Stadium, New Zealand
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Broadcast: Foxtel and Nine
Live Stream: Kayo & Nine Now
Team Lists
Parramatta Eels
1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Lindsay Tui 5. Martha Mataele 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9.Rueben Cherrington 10. Breanna Eales 11. Chloe Jackson 12.Paige Travis 13. Ryvrr-Lee Alo 14. Taneka Todhunter 15. Rysh’e Fa’amausili 16. Ruby-Jean Kennard 17. Fleur Ginn 18. Rosemarie Beckett 19. Tess McWilliams 20. Jessica Kennedy 21. Yasmine Baker 22. Chelsea Makira
Coach Steve Georgallis will be hoping for more of the same grit and discipline in Auckland, with only one change made to the team. Breanna Eales comes into the starting side at prop, pushing Tess McWilliams to the reserves. Rosemarie Beckett joins the squad as the new 18th player.
New Zealand Warriors
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Michaela Brake 3. Tysha Ikenasio 4. Emmanita Paki 5. Payton Takimoana 6. Patricia Maliepo 7. Emily Curtain 8.Harata Butler 9. Capri Paekau 10. Lavinia Kitai 11. Shakira Baker 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Laishon Albert-Jones 14. Lydia Turua-quedley 15. Maarire Puketapu 16. Ashlee Matapo 17. Matekino Gray 18.Makayla Eli 19. Avery-rose Carmont 20. Ivana Lauitiiti 21. Tyra Wetere 22. Metanoia Fotu Moala
Last week’s 30–6 loss to reigning premiers the Roosters was a tough initiation for the Warriors, but there were encouraging signs for coach Ron Griffiths. Despite the scoreline, several debutants stood tall under pressure, including playmaker Patricia Maliepo, who scored the club’s only try. Sevens convert Michaela Blyde also grew into the contest on the wing, and both players retain their spots in an unchanged 17 for this historic home fixture.
The Game
Parramatta’s high-energy style and fearless approach will be a genuine challenge for the Warriors, who’ll be determined to make a statement at home in front of their faithful fans.
Outside of Rachel Pearson’s kicking game that shone in the Eels trip to Cronulla, Rory Owen was a force to be reckoned with, powering through for over 170 metres and breaking eight tackles in a commanding performance. If she gets more opportunities in attacking territory, the Eels could put points on the board quickly.
Rory Owen
Parra’s backline has the capacity to get the necessary yardage out of their own end that will allowed Pearson to implement her kicking game and put the Warriors on the back foot.
Last week’s victory against the Sharks was also based on defensive grit. They’ll need more of the same against the Warriors. However, the trial and the opening round match featured some rust in the Eels attack. Finding more cohesion this week would have been a goal in their preparations.
Coach Steve Georgallis will likely be mindful of his bench rotation as last week the Eels were fatigued in the second half, which allowed the Sharks to play next to the ruck and open the middle third of the Eels defensive line on multiple occasions.
The Eels could be vulnerable should the Warriors play the ball quickly for the dummy half to take advantage of tiring markers.
Though conceding 30 points against the Roosters, there were green shoots in the Warriors defensive system which hustled side to side on their try line in the first half to cut off the tri-colours edge attack. If they can improve some decision making, their defence will be more effective.
To be competitive against the Eels, the Warriors must stay on the front foot and take the game to the visitors. The match will need to be kept in Eels territory as much as possible to take the pressure off the Warriors back five in yardage.
Patricia Maliepo
Patricia Maliepo is a player to watch for the Warriors. The five-eighth crossed for their only try last week and added the conversion. Parra will need to be aware of her deception, including her dummy and run. She’s set to play a central role in steering their attack once again. That said, she’ll need her forwards to lay the platform, especially if they can get to work off short balls close to the ruck.
With the Warriors at home, we expect a close game. However, the Eels should pick up win number two for their 2025 campaign.
Prediction: Eels by 6
Player of the Game: Rory Owen
Kye
Maybe the messiest first half I’ve seen us play in a while, especially coming after such a gritty win, but at least we saw some of that shine through with the defense. 8-0 isn’t insurmountable though, hope we can clean up the mistakes and just run hard in the second.
Well that wasn’t good.
Steve Georgalis would be bitterly disappointed with the team.
It honestly looked like they saw that it was cold and damp outside and would rather be safe and warm inside.
Both Cherrington and Todhunter were awful out of dummy half with passes that continually went behind or to no one.
Toki Huku was dreadful. Most of the side especially Zali Fay looked like they were playing in sneakers as they slipped and slid around the park.
I know Fleur Ginn is only 18 but is there a place in the NRWL for a 35kg player who drops the ball on every tackle ?
On the positive side, Rachael Pearson and Abbi Church continue to set the standard.
If Pearson was a little quicker on her feet, she would be the best player in the game.
A huge opportunity lost.