Eels v Panthers: Moses returns; Cleary eyes quick rebound
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
15th Position
away Team
Panthers
1st Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Eels: Star playmaker Mitch Moses returns from a corked thigh for the showdown with his 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. Luca Moretti also returns from a concussion on the bench.
Panthers: Coach Ivan Cleary sticks with the same 19-man squad that went down to the Broncos in a tight one last week. Hooker Mitch Kenny (leg) could still be a couple of weeks away while utility Jack Cogger will be available for selection in Round 22 after serving a two-game suspension for a careless high tackle.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah IongiFullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards
-
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 4 Araz NanvaCentre 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 11 Kelma Tuilagi2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga2nd 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 14 Dylan WalkerInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Billy Scott
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Luca MorettiInterchange 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
-
Interchange for Eels is number 18 Joash PapaliiInterchange for Panthers is number 18 Izack Tago
-
Interchange for Eels is number 19 Toni MataeleInterchange for Panthers is number 19 Jack Cole
Reserves
-
Reserve for Eels is number 20 Jonah PezetReserve for Panthers is number 20 Jaxen Edgar
-
Reserve for Eels is number 21 Ryley SmithReserve for Panthers is number 21 Sione Fonua
-
Reserve for Eels is number 22 Will PenisiniReserve for Panthers is number 22 Kalani Leuluai-Going
Eels Ins
- Luca Moretti
- Mitchell Moses
- Ryley Smith
- Will Penisini
Panthers Ins
- Jaxen Edgar
- Kalani Leuluai-Going
- Sione Fonua
Eels Outs
- Charlie Guymer
Panthers Ins
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.
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