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NRL Team List
Round 3 vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Sunday 4:00PM, CommBank Stadium
It has been an interesting fortnight on the road with the Parramatta Eels emerging from consecutive tilts with last year’s grand finalists sporting a 1-1 record. There is obviously far more nuance to apply to the two results but the critical factor is that Jason Ryles has a platform to build on coming into the club’s home opener.
When these two teams met last year, the Eels were spiraling through a four game losing streak and desperately chasing a breakthrough victory. In 2026 the pre-game narrative has shifted. Parramatta have the chance to secure an early season winning record and perhaps even stake a claim inside the Top 8 with hopefully a packed CommBank Stadium cheering them on.
Ryles gets the services of J’maine Hopgood back for Round 3 following the completion of a frankly tripe suspension. Hopgood’s return contrasted with the excellent last start from Kelma Tuilagi had many fans curious about the team composition against the Dragons. ‘JR’ has made a call to shake things up – at least to an extent – as Hopgood and Tuilagi win starting berths. That pushes Jack De Belin to the interchange in the first major shift in starting hierarchy this season. Jack Williams starts at lock forward as the Eels lock to gain increased traction through the middle in the opening quarter of play.
Will Penisini is still sidelined by a groin injury (and out for the foreseeable future unfortunately) which means Jordan Samrani will reprise his role at right centre against the Dragons. All in all, the Eels are shaping up pretty well heading into Round 3 and have all the necessary pieces on hand to start building some momentum.
Like the Eels, the Dragons have suffered a heavy loss to the Melbourne Storm. Although, to be fair, they did acquit themselves better offensively. St George’s ability to drag their opponents down into a gritty brawl is well known and the Eels will have to be willing to play some tough, uncompromising footy on Sunday. This stands as an excellent opportunity to whip their defence into shape as they also hunt their second win of the season.
| Parramatta Eels | St George Illawarra Dragons | |
| Isaiah Iongi | 1 | Clinton Gutherson |
| Bailey Simonsson | 2 | Christian Tuipulotu |
| Jordan Samrani | 3 | Moses Suli |
| Sean Russell | 4 | Valentine Holmes |
| Josh Addo-Carr | 5 | Setu Tu |
| Jonah Pezet | 6 | Kyle Flanagan |
| Mitchell Moses | 7 | Daniel Atkinson |
| J’maine Hopgood | 8 | Emre Guler |
| Ryley Smith | 9 | Damien Cook |
| Junior Paulo | 10 | Toby Couchman |
| Kelma Tuilagi | 11 | Luciano Leilua |
| Kitione Kautoga | 12 | Jaydn Su’a |
| Jack Williams | 13 | Hamish Stewart |
| Interchange | ||
| Dylan Walker | 14 | Jacob Liddle |
| Sam Tuivaiti | 15 | Josh Kerr |
| Matt Doorey | 16 | Blake Lawrie |
| Tallyn Da Silva | 17 | Ryan Couchman |
| Jack De Belin | 18 | Hame Sele |
| Joash Papalii | 19 | Matthew Feagai |
| Reserves | ||
| Charlie Guymer | 20 | Lykhan King-Togia |
| Brian Kelly | 21 | Loko Pasifiki Tonga |
| Luca Moretti | 22 | Tyrell Sloan |
Injury Report
| Player | Injury | Return Date |
| William Penisini
Ronald Volkman |
Groin Strain
Quadriceps Strain |
Rd 7
Rd 4 |
NSW Cup Team List
Round 3 vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Sunday 1:35PM, CommBank Stadium
Fresh off a Round 2 bye, the Parramatta Eels look to build off their Round 1 win over Melbourne sporting a roster bolstered by multiple NRL players. Brian Kelly and Joash Papalii headline the reinforcements for Cup but a nod should also go to Mohammed Alameddine who has won a starting role on the wing.
Apa Twidle was outstanding as acting halfback two weeks ago but now returns to his preferred role at fullback as Papalii is given the reins to the team at #7 this week. Lorenzo Talataina did plenty of good against the Storm as well and how these three players juggle the play-making responsibilities will be a fascinating watch.
The NSW Cup will play in the curtain raiser on Sunday so be sure to check it out if you are attending the NRL fixture!
| 1 | Apa Twidle |
| 2 | Jake Tago |
| 3 | Brian Kelly |
| 4 | Araz Nanva |
| 5 | Mohammed Alameddine |
| 6 | Lorenzo Talataina |
| 7 | Joash Papalii |
| 8 | Luca Moretti |
| 9 | Meni Luke |
| 10 | Teancum Brown |
| 11 | Will Latu |
| 12 | Jezaiah Funa-Iuta |
| 13 | Saxon Pryke |
| Interchange | |
| 14 | Kruz Niutili-Schmidt |
| 15 | Toni Mataele |
| 16 | Tyrese Lokeni |
| 17 | Samuel Loizou |
Jersey Flegg Cup Team List
Round 3 vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Saturday 2:00PM, James Hardie Centre of Excellence
Updated for Round 3.
| 1 | Corey Leigh |
| 2 | Jeshua Maa-Nelson |
| 3 | Siamani Leulaui |
| 4 | Devonte Vaivela |
| 5 | Druzel Taula |
| 6 | Ioane Lui |
| 7 | Kade Moujalli |
| 8 | Zack Visconti |
| 9 | Lachlan Coinakis |
| 10 | Beau Lucien |
| 11 | Trace Beattue |
| 12 | Callum McMenemy |
| 13 | Max Fuimaono Popo |
| Interchange | |
| 14 | Jack Hudson |
| 15 | Markkuz Oganoa |
| 16 | Noah Parker |
| 17 | Jordan Miller |
| 18 | Javahn Stevenson-Hala |
