There’s a version of this fixture where both sides are fighting for something. Unfortunately, there’s also the version we’re actually getting on Sunday, with the Eels simply aiming to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
It’s a home game for the 5th placed Raiders. They enter this contest on the back of a six point loss to the Gold Coast Titans, a result that would still be stinging given it was a match that they could have won if some things went their way.
The Raiders base their game on tough defence, and they’ve quietly gone about their business all season leaving them on the cusp of reaping their rewards.
Can the Green Machine overtake the Brisbane Broncos for a spot in the top four? They might be just 70 minutes away from that answer.
Parramatta arrive in a very different headspace. The brief flicker of momentum that came from back-to-back wins over the Bulldogs and Sharks was extinguished in brutal fashion last week, with the Broncos handing the Eels a reminder of the gap that still sits between them and the competition’s best teams.
So there we have the contrast between the two teams. One is building towards finals footy, the other is trying to find a positive end to the season.
That contrast should tell you most of what you need to know heading into kick-off.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Kick-off: 6:15 PM AEST
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Referee: Karra-Lee Nolan
Broadcast: Foxtel and Nine Gem
Live Stream: Kayo & Nine Now
Team Lists
Parramatta Eels
1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Jasmin Morrissey 5. Martha Mataele 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Taneka Todhunter 10. Boss Kapua 11. Fontayne Tufuga 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Layne Morgan 15. Ryvrr-Lee Alo 16. Chloe Jackson 17. Kennedy Cherrington 18. Khyliah Gray 19. Rueben Cherrington 20. Tess McWilliams 21. Fleur Ginn 22. Kate Fallon
Unchanged from last week’s loss to the Broncos. A positive move is that Kennedy Cherrington has been upgraded to a proper spot on the bench as she returns from a facial fracture.
Canberra Raiders
1. Sheridan Gallagher 2. Elise Simpson 3. Leianne Tufuga 4. Isabella Waterman 5. Mackenzie Wiki 6. Krystal Blackwell 7. Zahara Temara 8. Chloe Saunders 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Jordyn Preston 12. Charlotte Basham 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Grace Kemp 16. Hollie Dodd 17. Grace Kukutai 18. Lili Boyle 19. Bobbi Law 20. Madison Bartlett 21. Relna Wuruki-Hosea 22. Sereana Naitokatoka
One change to the run-on side, with Charlotte Basham coming into the second row. Hollie-Mae Dodd drops to the bench as a result, while Lili Boyle is pushed back to the reserves.
The Game
Let’s talk about the talent in this Canberra team that has possibly flown under the radar for their 2026 opponents.
Chante Temara controls the ruck and dictates the tempo from dummy-half, while Zahara’s kicking game turns field position into real attacking opportunity that leads to points.
Sophie Holyman is able to play over the advantage line often enough that this side rarely has to play second-phase footy from deep in their own half.
Add Krystal Blackwell’s offensive spark complementing Zahara’s kicking game along with Charlotte Basham’s inclusion as a go-forward on the edge, and this is a team with very few soft spots.
The numbers back it up. Nine rounds in, the Raiders have only conceded 134 points, comfortably the best defence outside the Roosters, Titans and Wests Tigers, and they’re doing it with genuinely strong middle unit rather than just scrambling in the backfield.
That’s the kind of platform that can win games in the finals.
Parramatta’s issue isn’t effort; it’s a lack of consistent execution. An unchanged side raises concerns for more of the same.
So what do Eels fans need to see?
The tone must be set early by Parra’s forwards. They can’t allow the Raiders to settle into their relentless grind. No more easy metres through the middle. It’s time to bring a level of physicality that sets the tone, rather than being on the receiving end.
Rachael Pearson
At her best, Rachael Pearson remains a classy game manager that can control through her kicking and her organisational skills. That best must be produced this weekend.
Abbi Church, Rory Owen, Martha Mataele and Zali Fay provide the punch and pace out wide that just isn’t utilised anywhere near enough. More touches of the ball, either early or with space, featured during the Eels two victories. A repeat of that is the path to points.
Kennedy Cherrington’s introduction off the bench could be the difference maker. She’s a genuine spark plug when healthy, and if she can find 20-30 minutes of impact it could be either a momentum changer if needed, or the nail to the Raiders coffin if the Eels are on top.
Kennedy Cherrington
Finally, scoreboard pressure is essential. No more match defining deficits at half time. Parra must stay in the contest or hold the lead at the break.
If the Raiders are allowed to use their platform through the forwards, their classy spine and their motivation from last week’s result against the Titans, it could fuel a win against the Eels.
Unfortunately, based on the exposed form from 2026, I expect this to be the case.
Prediction: Raiders by 12
Player of the Game: Zahara Temara
