Eels v Panthers: Moses, Penisini return; Edwards sidelined
The Panthers are out to steady the ship when they face fierce rivals Parramatta in the latest edition of the Western Sydney derby on Thursday night.
Penrith have battled a rocky patch in recent weeks, winning just one of their past four games to see their lead at the top of the table diminish to just two points.
With the Warriors and Roosters breathing down their necks, the Panthers need a win to maintain their grip on the minor premiership.
It won't be easy, however, with Parramatta well rested after last week's bye and eager to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Eels likely need to win six of their last seven games to sneak into the top eight but anything is possible with halfback Mitchell Moses pulling the strings.
The skipper will go face to face with his NSW halves partner on Thursday night in a battle between two of the game's playmakers.
Match: Eels v Panthers
Round 21 -
home Team
Eels
16th Position
away Team
Panthers
1st Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Eels: A late change 90 minutes before kick-off with centre Will Penisini promoted to the starting side for his first game since Round 9 having recovered from Osteitis Pubis. Luca Moretti also comes into the starting side in his return from concussion so Kelma Tuilagi goes to the bench. Mitch Moses plays just his 13th game for the season as he returns from a corked thigh to take on Blues halves partner Nathan Cleary. Five-eighth Ronald Volkman suffered a head knock against the Roosters before the bye but has cleared the concussion protocols to take his place.
Panthers: Jaxen Edgar has been promoted to the starting side at fullback for just the second NRL game of his career after Dylan Edwards was ruled out due to a head cut suffered last week against the Broncos. Edgar made his debut in Round 26 last year against the Bulldogs. The rest of the side remains as named Tuesday. Mitch Kenny (leg) could still be a couple of weeks away so Freddy Lussick will do the job as starting hooker for the 11th straight game. Winger Brian To'o needs one try to bring up a century of tries in the NRL.
Match: Eels v Panthers
Round 21 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Panthers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah IongiFullback for Panthers is number 20 Jaxen Edgar
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Brian KellyWinger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas Jenkins
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Jordan SamraniCentre for Panthers is number 3 Paul Alamoti
-
Centre for Eels is number 22 Will PenisiniCentre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLean
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Ronald VolkmanFive-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize Talagi
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Sam TuivaitiProp for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Tallyn Da SilvaHooker for Panthers is number 9 Freddy Lussick
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Jack WilliamsProp for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay Smith
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 15 Luca Moretti2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Jack De BelinLock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 11 Kelma TuilagiInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Billy Scott
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Dylan WalkerInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott Sorensen
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Teancum BrownInterchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam Henry
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Harrison EdwardsInterchange for Panthers is number 17 Billy Phillips
-
Reserve for Eels is number 18 Joash PapaliiReserve for Panthers is number 18 Izack Tago
-
Reserve for Eels is number 19 Toni MataeleReserve for Panthers is number 19 Jack Cole
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have lost their last five games against the Panthers.
- The Panthers have won six from seven at CommBank Stadium this season.
- The Eels have defeated only one current top eight team in 2026 (Cowboys in Rd 10).
- Panther winger Brian To’o requires one try for a century of NRL tries.
- Eels halfback Mitchell Moses requires five points for 1,400 career points.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Don't miss your chance to watch the Battle of the West, with kids tickets available from just $15. Click here to secure your seats before they sell out.
