The battle of the west promises to be a cracker with Parramatta and Penrith both still unbeaten.
The Eels notched their fourth win in dramatic fashion against Manly last round to build upon their premiership credentials.
For the Panthers, a 26-0 drubbing of the Warriors would have added to their confidence after they drew with Newcastle the week prior.
A host of topline individual clashes are sure to have fans on the edges of their seats.
Match: Eels v Panthers
Round 5 -
home Team
Eels
1st Position
away Team
Panthers
5th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
The Rundown
Team News
Eels: Parramatta will start 1-17 after Brad Takairangi and Oregon Kaufusi were the two players to drop out an hour before the match. Nathan Brown returns at lock, bumping Marata Niukore to the bench. Ray Stone joins the interchange with Brad Takairangi and Oregon Kaufusi dropping out. George Jennings and Will Smith were omitted from the reserves list 24 hours before kick-off. The Eels are aiming for their first 5-0 start since 1986.
Panthers: Penrith will start 1-17 after Mitch Kenny and Billy Burns were omitted 60 minutes before kick-off. Dylan Edwards won't be rushed back for Friday night's Battle of the West against Parramatta. Nathan Cleary's return in the halves means Matt Burton moves back to the bench. Jack Hetherington and Edwards were the players cut from the extended bench on Thursday night. Panthers captain James Tamou will play his 250th NRL game.
Match: Eels v Panthers
Round 5 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Panthers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Panthers is number 1 Caleb Aekins
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika SivoWinger for Panthers is number 2 Josh Mansour
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Michael JenningsCentre for Panthers is number 3 Dean Whare
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Waqa BlakeCentre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen Crichton
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Blake FergusonWinger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome Luai
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-GillardProp for Panthers is number 8 James Tamou
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Panthers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloProp for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Ryan Matterson2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Kurt Capewell
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Nathan BrownLock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Ray StoneInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Matt Burton
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Marata NiukoreInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Zane Tetevano
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Kane EvansInterchange for Panthers is number 16 Moses Leota
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Peni TerepoInterchange for Panthers is number 17 Liam Martin
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Key Match-Up
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses was lauded for his composure as he steered the team to a 19-16 win over Manly, his name even being tossed into Origin selection discussions by some pundits and fans. Nathan Cleary has been NSW's regular No.7 in recent years and he'll want to prove he's still the state's premier playmaker.
