The Parramatta Eels’ finals hopes for 2025 went up in smoke last weekend after a 26-10 defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans.
While the statistics suggest a closer contest, the Eels were once again undone by a sluggish start they couldn’t recover from.
Trailing 20-4 at halftime, Parramatta slumped to their sixth loss of the season and their fourth straight defeat.
Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers must secure a win this weekend to have any chance of avoiding the wooden spoon for the second consecutive year and even then, they’ll need the Bulldogs to lose to keep that hope alive.
A heartbreaking golden point defeat in Canberra not only pushed the Tigers closer to the bottom of the ladder but also prompted Brett Kimmorley to confirm he will step down as head coach at the end of 2025.
Despite a double from star fullback Caitlin Turnbull and 188 running metres from Kezie Apps, the Tigers suffered another bitter loss in what has become a familiar sight this season. Surprisingly, the Tigers will field the same 17 as last weekend.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Kick-off: 6:15 PM AEST
Venue: Commbank Stadium, Sydney
Referee: Mitchell Currie
Broadcast: Foxtel and Nine
Live Stream: Kayo & Nine Now
Team Lists
Parramatta Eels
1. Abbi Church 2. Kiana Takairangi 3. Fleur Ginn 4.Lindsay Tui 5. Martha Mataele 6. Rosemarie Beckett 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9.Rueben Cherrington 10. Breanna Eales 11. Chloe Jackson 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Rueben Cherrington 14. Boss Kapua 15. Paige Travis 16.Tess McWilliams 17. Ryvrr-Lee Alo 18. Fontayne Tufuga 19. Taneka Todhunter 20. Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis 21. Zali Fay 22. Mia Middleton
Rosemarie Beckett returns to the halves, shifting Fleur Ginn to the centres, while Zali Fay makes way for Kiana Takairangi, who will make her club debut. Chloe Jackson has been promoted to the starting side in the second row, with Boss Kapua moving to the bench.
Wests Tigers
1. Caitlin Turnbull 2. Rebecca Pollard 3. Harmony Crichton 4. Emily Bass 5. Lily Rogan 6. Jetaya Faifua 7. Faythe Manera 8. Sarah Togatuki 9.Pihuka Berryman-Duff 10. Ruby Fifta 11. Kezie Apps 12. Portia Bourke 13. Amelia Huakau 14.Salma Nour 15. Tara Reinke 16. Jade Fonua 17.Iemaima Etuale 18. Evie McGrath 19. Jessikah Reeves 20. Tiana-Lee Thorne 21. Chelsea Savill 22. Montana Clifford
Coach Brett Kimmorley has stuck with the same squad that fell to the Raiders in golden point last week. Jetaya Faifua and Faythe Manera will combine in the halves, while Caitlin Turnbull will line up at fullback and Kezie Apps will start in the back row.
The Game
Despite last weekend’s loss, Parramatta’s forward pack continued to lay a strong platform. Their middle rotation has been reliable all year, but the halves have struggled to build the attack from there.
It’s important for the Eels to start strong and not let the match get away from them. Last week they clawed back late momentum, but the deficit was too great. Against the Titans, once they settled into their rhythm, they created repeat sets, proof that when they find composure, that they can threaten a defence.
That slow start has been Parra’s Achilles Heel this season. Falling behind 20-4 at halftime last week epitomised this issue, leaving them in a position where no amount of second-half fight could turn things around. Their edge defence has also been shaky, particularly when faced with sweeping backline plays.
Against the Tigers, the Eels need to apply pressure early, have line speed out wide and the halves need to manage the game and the pace they play with, as the Tigers have struggled in late game winning situations this season.
Can Rose Beckett get the attack firing?
One player Parramatta will be looking to for a spark is Rosemarie Beckett, whose return to the halves could prove crucial. Beckett’s organisational skills and calm presence have been sorely missed during the Eels’ recent skid, and her ability to steer the team around the park will be key to setting an early platform.
Expect Beckett to take on the responsibilities that pin the Tigers deep and relieve pressure from Parramatta’s forwards. Alongside her, Fleur Ginn’s shift to the centres adds another attacking dimension. Her strong running game and ability to break tackles give the Eels a genuine strike option out wide. With a debutant in Kiana Takairangi also lining up, Parramatta’s backline will have a mix of experience and fresh energy, which could be the difference in turning field position into points.
For the Tigers, Caitlin Turnbull remains the heartbeat of their attack and will be central to their hopes of avoiding back-to-back wooden spoons. The dynamic fullback’s two-try performance against Canberra underlined her ability to create opportunities from broken play, and her support running continues to be a constant threat.
Caitlin Turnbull has an impressive running game
Alongside her, veteran forward Kezie Apps has been a workhorse, churning out 188 running metres last weekend and setting a physical tone through the middle. If the Tigers are to match Parramatta, they’ll need Apps to lead from the front and Turnbull to capitalise on any defensive lapses.
Together, the duo represents the Tigers’ best chance of swinging momentum and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Parramatta’s home crowd and a few key positional changes may give them a psychological edge, but Wests have shown they can trouble any team if they stay switched on for 80 minutes. For the Eels, it’s about starting well and controlling the tempo. For the Tigers, it’s about execution and resilience in crunch moments.
Prediction: Eels by 6
Player of the Game: Caitlin Turnbull
Kye Ferreira
