Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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The "Battle of the West" reignites as the Penrith Panthers, aiming to climb back towards the top of the ladder, take on a struggling Parramatta Eels side in desperate need of a season-defining upset.
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How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Parramatta Eels team news
The Eels are without their chief playmaker Mitchell Moses due to injury and will also miss suspended forward Kelma Tuilagi, putting pressure on their depth.
Squad: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dan Keir 19. Toni Mataele 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Bailey Simonsson 22. Joash Papali’i
Penrith Panthers team news
Blues backrower Liam Martin is in doubt for Sunday’s match against the Eels after appearing to suffer a hand injury during Wednesday’s State of Origin decider. He was named by the Panthers on the extended bench earlier this week, with Luke Garner and Isaiah Papali’i expected to start in the second row. Star winger Brian To’o is also unlikely to play as he continues battling a knee issue that almost ruled him out of Origin III. Paul Alamoti will serve on the wing in his absence. Halfback Nathan Cleary was also named on the Panthers’ extended bench but has been carrying a groin injury and may also miss another week.
Squad: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Jack Cole 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Nathan Cleary 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Brian To’o 22. Liam Martin 23. Isaah Yeo 24. Preston Riki
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers prediction
The Parramatta Eels (15th) are coming off a bye. Their inability to string wins together is reflected in their recent form of two wins in five, which has seen them slide down the ladder.
The Penrith Panthers (6th) also had the bye in Round 18. Before the break, they had found ominous form, winning four of their last five matches to surge back into finals contention after languishing in the bottom half of the ladder for much of the season.
Zac Lomax has been the Eels' most reliable source of points in a tough season, scoring 65.
Despite missing several games through injury, superstar halfback Nathan Cleary has still managed to score 88 points, highlighting his immense impact.
While this is a fierce rivalry, the Panthers have had the upper hand in recent years, winning three of the last five encounters between the two Western Sydney clubs.
The Eels face an enormous challenge, particularly if the Panthers' Origin contingent takes the field. Penrith's defensive steel and recent momentum should be far too much for a struggling Parramatta outfit
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers tip: Penrith Panthers to win
