NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Eels

Author: Lucy Trotman
Timestamp: Thu 4 Apr 2024, 10:33 AM

The Toyota Forklifts Raiders are looking to impress at home this weekend as they face the Parramatta Eels on Sunday evening at GIO Stadium, Canberra.

After a disappointing 36-22 loss to the Sharks last Sunday, the Raiders will be desperate to return to their winning ways at home against the Eels.

The Eels will also be looking to redeem themselves this weekend after a missed penalty goal in the dying stages, resulted in a cruel 17-16 loss to the Tigers on Easter Monday.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Sunday 7 Apr

Full Time

Raiders

Eels

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
Winger for Raiders is number 2 James Schiller

Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko

Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris

Centre for Eels is number 4 Bailey Simonsson
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage

Winger for Eels is number 5 Sean Russell
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange

Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Blaize Talagi
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Halfback for Eels is number 7 Dylan Brown

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny Levi

Hooker for Eels is number 9 Joey Lussick
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine

Prop for Eels is number 15 Wiremu Greig
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young

2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Ata Mariota

2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Ryan Matterson
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies

Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling

Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Corey Horsburgh

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Luca Moretti
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Simi Sasagi

Interchange for Eels is number 16 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Pasami Saulo

Interchange for Eels is number 17 Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Kaeo Weekes

Replacement for Eels is number 22 Morgan Harper

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated: 4/29/2024 5:36:32 AM

Talking Points:

Simi Sasagi will become Raider #395 after he was named to make his debut for the club this weekend.
With Zac Hosking ruled out of this week’s match due to a concussion obtained last week, Ata Mariota will replace Hosking in the second row, with Sasagi to come off the bench.
After an impressive performance scoring two tries in his first NRL game of 2024 last weekend, James Schiller is set to keep his spot on the wing for round five.
The Eels have promoted centre Bailey Simonsson and forward Wiremu Greig to their team, with Morgan Harper and Brendan Hands dropping to the reserves list. This will mark Greig’s first NRL game of 2024 after three games in the NSW Cup.

We know we're better than that. We'll correct that this week with our performance this weekend. I'm confident in this group that we can do that.
Tom Starling #362

Last Time They Met

The Raiders defeated the Eels 26-18 in round 11 of last season at GIO Stadium, Canberra.

Key Match-Up: Joseph Tapine v Junior Paulo

All eyes will be on the clash between the two powerhouse forwards Joseph Tapine and Junior Paulo as they take the field this Sunday at GIO Stadium.

Tapine, leading the Raiders in the absence of Elliot Whitehead, has been a force to reckoned with in the 2024 season.

With an impressive 123 tackles and a staggering 94.6 percent tackle efficiency, alongside an average of 153 running metres, Tapine has shown his ability to break through opposition lines and gain valuable ground for his team.

Paulo has shown his strength as a prop this season, with 71 tackles and a 96 percent tackle efficiency, as well as an average of 130 running metres per game. Paulo has demonstrated his defensive prowess, alongside his ability to bulldoze through defensive lines.

Both sets of fans will be looking to the battle in the forward pack as they will undoubtedly be instrumental in the result on Sunday evening.