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Match Preview

Eels v Roosters: Sivo, Hopgood out; Young hamstrung

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With their mini-revival halted after just one game the Eels must regroup quickly as they confront a team they have beaten just once in their past five meetings.

After a much-needed victory over the Sharks in Round 13, the blue and golds crashed back to earth on Monday when they were unable to subdue an injury-ravaged Bulldogs outfit at Accor Stadium.

The loss of Maika Sivo to a hamstring injury just prior to kick-off didn't help the Eels' cause but at 18-10 with 15 minutes to play they would have expected to go on with the job and rack up their fifth win of the season.

The Roosters, meanwhile, had their feet up over the long weekend, taking the opportunity to recharge the batteries as they embark on a pivotal month of games against the Eels, Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Dragons.

With the best points differential (+133) in the competition, the Roosters have a distinct advantage over the clump of teams around them on the ladder, but they need to start stringing some wins together if they're to make it to the finals for an eighth straight season.

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Team News

Eels: Winger Maika Sivo has dropped out on game day after failing to overcome a hamstring strain. Daejarn Asi joins the starting side in the centres and Sean Russell goes to the wing. Maroons forward J'maine Hopgood has succumbed to his back injury which sees Joe Ofahengaue shift to lock. Ryan Matterson joins the bench after he was named among the reserves in a bid to return from illness.

Roosters: A switch in the pack an hour before kick-off with Spencer Leniu starting and Jared Waerea-Hagreaves going to the bench. Sitili Tupouniua is 18th man. Winger Dom Young was ruled out with a minor hamstring strain on Friday so Michael Jennings shifted from 18th man into the centres and Junior Pauga moved to the wing. Connor Watson returns from a throat injury to start at hooker in place of Brandon Smith as the Tricolours' Origin contingent return.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
    Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
  • Winger for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell
    Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
  • Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
    Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
  • Centre for Eels is number 14 Daejarn Asi
    Centre for Roosters is number 18 Michael Jennings
  • Winger for Eels is number 5 Blaize Talagi
    Winger for Roosters is number 3 Fetalaiga Pauga
  • Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
    Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
  • Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
    Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Forwards

  • Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
    Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
  • Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan Hands
    Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
  • Prop for Eels is number 17 Makahesi Makatoa
    Prop for Roosters is number 15 Spencer Leniu
  • 2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
  • 2nd Row for Eels is number 15 Shaun Lane
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Victor Radley
  • Lock for Eels is number 16 Joe Ofahengaue
    Lock for Roosters is number 13 Naufahu Whyte

Interchange

  • Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
    Interchange for Roosters is number 8 Jared  Waerea-Hargreaves
  • Interchange for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright
    Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon Smith
  • Interchange for Eels is number 20 Joey Lussick
    Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
  • Interchange for Eels is number 21 Ryan Matterson
    Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May

Reserves

  • Replacement for Eels is number 22 Luca Moretti
    Replacement for Roosters is number 19 Sitili Tupouniua

Match Officials

  • Referee: Chris Butler
  • Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
  • Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Eels have won four of their six games at CommBank Stadium in 2024.
  • The Roosters have won four of their past five games against the Eels.
  • Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored five tries in his first eight NRL games.
  • Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored six tries in six games at CommBank Stadium.
  • Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored a try in his last three games against the Roosters.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,  

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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.