NRL Trial Match Preview: Panthers v Eels

Author: parraeels.com.au
Timestamp: Thu 9 Feb 2023, 05:45 PM

The Parramatta Eels will take to the field for the first time in 2023 this Saturday in a trial match against the Panthers.

Brad Arthur’s first opportunity to see his troops in action this year will also serve as the Eels’ first-ever NRL Pre-Season Challenge match, with monetary rewards on offer for on-field performance.

The Eels coach has selected a 28-man squad featuring a blend of NRL regulars, new recruits, and up-and-coming talents. The Panthers lineup consists primarily of lower grade players with a handful of first graders sprinkled throughout.

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 11 Feb

Full Time

Panthers

Eels

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Isaiah Iongi

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Sean Russell
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Jesse McLean

Winger for Eels is number 2 Matthew Komolafe
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Sunia Turuva

Centre for Eels is number 3 Samuel Loizou
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Tom Jenkins

Centre for Eels is number 4 Zac Cini
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Daeon Amituanai

Winger for Eels is number 5 Isaac Lumelume
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Kurt Falls

Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Jordan Rankin
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Jack Cogger

Halfback for Eels is number 7 Jake Arthur

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Lindsay Smith

Prop for Eels is number 8 Ofahiki Ogden
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Luke Sommerton

Hooker for Eels is number 9 Josh Hodgson
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Liam Henry

Prop for Eels is number 10 Ky Rodwell
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Jaeman Salmon

2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Zac Hosking

2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Jirah Momoisea
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Matthew Eisenhuth

Lock for Eels is number 13 Ryan Matterson

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Connor Mason

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Matt Doorey
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Ativalu Lisati

Interchange for Eels is number 15 Mitch Rein
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Mavrik Geyer

Interchange for Eels is number 16 Wiremu Greig
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Harrison Hassett

Interchange for Eels is number 17 Makahesi Makatoa

Reserves

Reserve for Panthers is number 18 John Faiumu

Reserve for Eels is number 18 Toni Mataele
Reserve for Panthers is number 19 Hanna El-Nachar

Reserve for Eels is number 19 Jayden Yates
Reserve for Panthers is number 20 Sunita Lotoaniu

Reserve for Eels is number 20 Dan Keir
Reserve for Panthers is number 21 Liam Ison

Reserve for Eels is number 21 Luca Moretti
Reserve for Panthers is number 22 Jake Tago

Reserve for Eels is number 22 Tevita Taumoepenu
Reserve for Panthers is number 23 Logan Cohen

Reserve for Eels is number 23 Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa
Reserve for Panthers is number 24 Ryley Smith
Reserve for Panthers is number 25 Trent Toelau
Reserve for Panthers is number 26 Cody Lawson
Reserve for Panthers is number 27 Luke Philp
Reserve for Panthers is number 28 Atonio Pelesasa

Match Officials

Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated: 2/17/2023 1:22:04 AM

In a headline selection, new recruit Josh Hodgson is set to make his first appearance for the club in the no. 9 jersey. The likes of Matt Doorey and Jirah Momoisea are also in line to pull on the Blue & Gold for the first time.

Josh Hodgson in training with his new team.

Four members of the 2022 NRL Grand Final side, Ryan Matterson, Shaun Lane, Jake Arthur and Junior Paulo, have also been included in the extended squad.

Eels co-captain Clint Gutherson confirmed he and the remainder of the NRL squad will be back on deck for next Friday’s final trial match against Newcastle.

Trial matches between the Eels and Panthers have become a staple of recent seasons. Last year, the Blue & Gold put on a clinic at the foot of the mountains in a resounding 36-0 win.