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Round 5 Late Mail: Eels, Dragons finalise teams

Eels forward Ryan Matterson has been ruled out of Sunday's match against the Dragons due to ongoing concussion symptoms. Matterson has been sidelined since leaving the field following a head knock in round two.

Isaiah Papali'i is likely to start in the second row as he did last week.

 

Here is all the latest round-five selection news, predicted teams and injury updates.

Saturday in Sixty: Round 5

Eels v Dragons, Sunday 6.15pm at Bankwest Stadium, Sydney

Eels: Ryan Matterson has been ruled out due to ongoing concussion symptoms. Matterson has been sidelined since leaving the field following a head knock in round two.

Isaiah Papali'i comes into the second row and Ray Stone joins the bench.

After returning from a broken jaw via the NSW Cup last week, Bryce Cartwright is set to make his club debut off the interchange with Keegan Hipgrave making way.

Jordan Rankin was cut from the squad 24 hours before kick-off. Hipgrave was the last man cut an hour before game time and Haze Dunster is the 18th man.

The Eels are aiming for a 5-0 start for the second consecutive season.

Dragons: Jack Bird returns at centre from a one-game suspension, with Brayden Wiliame dropping to the bench and Jackson Ford to 18th man.

Poasa Faamausili and Max Feagai dropped off the Dragons' extended bench 24 hours before kick-off. Jordan Pereira was the last man cut an hour before kick-off.

Forwards Trent Merrin (150th club) and Daniel Alvaro (100th NRL) will play milestone games.

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.