Eels v Wests Tigers: Niukore replaces Blake; Maumalo, Peachey called in
The annual Easter Monday showdown between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers will wrap up round six of the NRL Telstra Premiership with a blockbuster expected at CommBank Stadium.
It will be just the second time the sides meet at the venue on the Easter weekend following the 51-6 opening win by the Eels in 2019.
Parramatta have dominated the fixture in recent years winning 11 of 13 and the joint venture face no tougher task given they're still winless after five rounds.
The Eels held on to beat the Titans last week but back on home turf and in front of a monster crowd it poses a huge threat to Michael Maguire's side.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Eels v Wests Tigers
The Rundown
Team news
Eels: The home side are 1-18 for the clash. Waqa Blake (knee) is out for an extended period with Marata Niukore coming in at centre and Will Penisini switching to the wing. Junior Paulo accepted a one-match ban for dangerous contact with Oregon Kaufusi replacing him up front. Shaun Lane (hamstring) returns, pushing Ryan Matterson to the bench. Bryce Cartwright reverts back to 18th player while Mitch Rein maintains his spot on the bench.
Wests Tigers: A couple of late changes for Michael Maguire's side with Ken Maumalo coming onto the wing, which will see Starford To'a switch to the centres and Luke Garner move to the bench along with Tyrone Peachey, who replaces Alex Seyfarth (18th man). Daine Laurie will play after missing the Sharks clash due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Match: Eels v Wests Tigers
Round 6 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Daine Laurie
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Winger for Eels is number 2 Will PenisiniWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David Nofoaluma
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Centre for Eels is number 3 Tom OpacicCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 James Roberts
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Centre for Eels is number 4 Marata NiukoreCentre for Wests Tigers is number 5 Starford To'a
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Winger for Eels is number 5 Bailey SimonssonWinger for Wests Tigers is number 21 Ken Maumalo
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Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Luke Brooks
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Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Jackson Hastings
Forwards
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Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-GillardProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 James Tamou
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Hooker for Eels is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jake Simpkin
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Prop for Eels is number 10 Oregon KaufusiProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Zane Musgrove
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2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
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2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Isaiah Papali'i2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua
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Lock for Eels is number 13 Nathan BrownLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
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Interchange for Eels is number 14 Makahesi MakatoaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 4 Luke Garner
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Interchange for Eels is number 15 Ryan MattersonInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Jock Madden
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Interchange for Eels is number 16 Hayze PerhamInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal
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Interchange for Eels is number 17 Mitch ReinInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Thomas Mikaele
Reserves
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Replacement for Eels is number 18 Bryce CartwrightReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 17 Alex Seyfarth
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Key match-up
Clint Gutherson v Daine Laurie: Parramatta's co-captain has started the season in strong fashion with four tries in five games but it's his effort areas that are often the best in the competition. Gutherson was at his best against the Titans with two tries, six tackle busts and 196 running metres. Laurie returns to the starting side after missing last week and the Wests Tigers need him to be as influential at the back to get the side on the front foot.
Stat attack
The Wests Tigers lead the competition in lines engaged with 112, indicating they're asking some questions in attack and engaging the defensive line but not getting much reward in return. The Eels are ranked eighth in this area (85) but still sit alongside the Storm and Panthers for most tries scored this season.
