NRL Team List

Round 26 vs Cronulla Sharks, Sunday 4:05PM, CommBank Stadium

The rookie churn continues into Round 26 as fresh off the debut of Jezaiah Funa we now have the provisional debut of Ryda Talagi against the Cronulla Sharks. The exciting news does come at the expense of Funa’s place in the team with Ryles electing to give departing veterans Dylan Walker and Jack De Belin berths on the 6-man bench over Jezaiah’s chance at a second swing from the cup of first grade. Still, it is another important milestone for the Eels as they continue, via something akin to baby steps, to bring the next generation of potential cornerstone forwards through.

Ryda’s debut is certainly a cause for a bit of hype this week. While fellow front row debutante Teancum Brown brought some outstanding leg speed and the uncanny knack to fall forwards through the ruck for the Eels, Talagi’s raw aggression and physical steak bring a different flavour of talent to the squad. The complimentary and contrasting skill sets are exciting additions to the club in the long term but for now Ryda has a fair challenge in front of him with a Cronulla pack led by the fearsome Addin Fonua-Blake.

It isn’t all great news this week. Jordan Samrani will miss Round 26 after withdrawing in the warm-up against the Dolphins last week. He is listed as a potential returnee in Roud 27 from an abductor strain but it wouldn’t be a shock if he was put on ice ahead of both the Rugby League World Cup and of course the 2026/27 NRL preseason.

Saxon Pryke officially starts at lock forward this week after impressing unofficially in that role over the last fortnight. Bailey Simonsson joins the 6-man optional bench as coverage for the back line this week while Sean Russell reprises his role at left centre in the starting squad.

NRL Injury Report

NRLW Team List

Round 9 vs Brisbane Broncos, Sunday 1:45PM, CommBank Stadium

While there are absolutely questions over what could have been this year, I think the best course of action right now to simply celebrate a comprehensive thrashing of the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday night. The win featured some outstanding footy across the park from the Eels and it is little surprise that Steve Georgallis has stayed with the same roster to face the Broncos – even with the outstanding Kennedy Cherringon available for selection this week.

Now that could change come Sunday with a cheeky tweaking of the team sheet but the Eels are rolling right now after victories over the Bulldogs and the Sharks…can they make it three on the trot against the Broncos? Brisbane, who were far from their best in a loss to the Titans last week, welcome back veteran playmaker Ali Brigginshaw from a suspension this week and they could certainly use her steady hand right now.

NRLW Injury Report

NSW Cup Team List

Round 26 vs Newtown Jets, Sunday 12:00PM, James Hardie Centre of Excellence

The Eels will sign off from the NSW Cup this year with a home fixture against the Newtown Jets. Parramatta were disappointing in their loss to the Raiders last week but the week-to-week fluctuations have been a long running issue this season. Can they rally for one final effort on Sunday?

The back line has undergone a shake up with Araz Nanva lost to injury (Shoulder, 2027) and Bailey Simonsson part of the NRL squad this week. Devonte Vaivela and Harley Walker have earned recalls from the Jersey Flegg while Jordan Hill will round out the back line.

Jezaiah Funa rejoins the back row to form a young trio with Chris Petrus and Tyrese Lokeni. Another Flegg talent earns a spot on the bench with Trace Beattie getting another Cup cap to his name this week.

NSW Womens Premiership Team List

Round 11 vs St George Dragons, Sunday 10:00AM, James Hardie Centre of Excellence

Round 10 Placeholder Team List

Jersey Flegg Cup Team List

Round 26 vs Cronulla Sharks, Sunday 2:00PM, James Hardie Centre of Excellence

Round 25 Placeholder Team List

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