A trio of Eels are eyeing tickets to Old Trafford in this week’s Rugby League World Cup Semi Finals.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Dylan Brown and Junior Paulo are set to line up for their respective nations as four countries remain in the race for world dominance in the UK.
With two Eels poised to face off while another aims to lead his nation to an unlikely Final appearance, there is plenty for Parramatta fans to look forward to in the Semi Finals.
Australia v New Zealand
Saturday 12 November, 6:45am (AEDT) – Elland Road, Leeds
The mouth-watering match-up between Australia and New Zealand sees Eels fan favourites Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Dylan Brown go head-to-head.
Both the Kangaroos and Kiwis topped their pools and remain undefeated at the tournament, but one heavyweight will be bundled out in the Semi Finals. Australia cruised into the final four with a 44-point win against Lebanon, while New Zealand narrowly defeated Fiji to advance.
Although the Kiwis were unconvincing, Brown was among his side’s best performers. Following his two try assists against Fiji, he is expected to continue at five-eighth for New Zealand.
Opposing him is Eels teammate Campbell-Gillard, who has overcome a leg issue to be available for the Semi Final. The prop sat out Australia’s victory over Lebanon but is back in Mal Meninga's 19-man squad for Saturday morning.
England v Samoa
Sunday 13 November, 1:30am (AEDT) – Emirates Stadium, London
Captained by Junior Paulo, Samoa will be out for revenge when they face England at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Samoa were blown off the park by England in the tournament-opener last month, but have since won three consecutive matches to reach the Semi Finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
After successfully challenging a one-match suspension at the judiciary, Paulo will lead Toa Samoa out against the host nation. The inspirational leader is averaging 118 run metres per game at the World Cup.
The opposing England side features the likes of Victor Radley, Dominic Young and George Williams.
The two Semi Final winners will meet each other in the Rugby League World Cup Final at Old Trafford on Sunday 20 November at 3:00am (AEDT).
Watch all Rugby League World Cup matches live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
