Match Preview: Eels v Panthers

Author: parraeels.com.au
Timestamp: Thu 23 Mar 2023, 09:45 AM

The Battle of the West returns to CommBank Stadium as the Eels host local rivals Penrith on Thursday night.

A Grand Final rematch and fierce derby between two historic clubs, the match shapes to be a blockbuster in PARRAdise.

Secure your seat for the Battle of the West now!

Classic Encounter: Eels v Panthers

Team News

Brendan Hands is in line to become Eel no. 834 after being named to make his NRL debut from the bench.

Ryan Matterson is set to start in the second row in his return from suspension, with Matt Doorey to play off the bench.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Thursday 23 Mar

Full Time

Eels

Panthers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia Turuva
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack Tago
Centre for Eels is number 4 Waqa Blake

Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen Crichton
Winger for Eels is number 5 Bailey Simonsson

Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome Luai
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Josh Hodgson

Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch Kenny
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Bryce Cartwright

2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Luke Garner
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Ryan Matterson

2nd Row for Panthers is number 19 Zac Hosking
Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood

Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Matt Doorey

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Soni Luke
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Brendan Hands

Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott Sorensen
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Wiremu Greig

Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Spencer Leniu
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Makahesi Makatoa

Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Jaeman Salmon

Reserves

Replacement for Eels is number 18 Jake Arthur

Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Matthew Eisenhuth

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:54 AM

Recent History

The long-standing rivalry between Parramatta and Penrith has reached fever pitch in recent years, culminating in last year’s Grand Final.

The Eels are known to go up a gear against their neighbours, winning both of their regular season match-ups in 2022. Parramatta handed Penrith their first home loss in over two years early last season, and enjoyed a 34-10 triumph in their latest meeting at CommBank Stadium.

Match Highlights: Panthers v Eels

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Form Guide

The Eels have suffered three cruel losses this season, beaten only by conversions or a field goal in each match.

The Panthers have won one and lost one so far, and were afforded a bye last week.

Key Stat

The Eels’ only ever defeat to the Panthers at CommBank Stadium came back in 2019, with Parramatta prevailing in each home match since.

Key Match-Up

Hopgood and RCG combine beautifully

In recent years, middle forwards have had a big say in the Battle of the West.

Junior Paulo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and J'maine Hopgood will be determined to shut down the Panthers' engine room of James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Isaah Yeo in a match-up which can be expected to play a key role on Thursday.