Thursday night lights: Eels v Panthers
- Author
- Timestamp
It may be first up against 15th on the ladder but the western Sydney derby between the Panthers and Eels has a history that defies ladder position and expectation.
The Panthers have lost three of their past four matches to open the door for their nearest chasers in the Warriors and Roosters.
The Eels rolled the Raiders in Round 15 and Manly in Round 18 to remind everyone just how dangerous they can be in the run home.
With Blues buddies Nathan Cleary and Mitch Moses going toe-to-toe we are in for an enthralling contest to open a monster round of footy.
Follow all the action from Round 21 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.
Eels v Panthers at CommBank Stadium
Match: Eels v Panthers
Round 21 -
home Team
Eels
15th Position
away Team
Panthers
1st Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
3 min: A stunning start for the Eels after Luca Moretti powers into a hole and at the end of the set Ronald Volkman kicks towards the posts and Mitch Moses chases through to get above the pack and brings the ball down for a try under the sticks. Moses converts. Eels 6-0
Late Mail
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.
Numbers Game
- 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.
