Rabbitohs v Eels: Big guns return; Moretti back on deck
The Rabbitohs are out to celebrate their rich Indigenous history when they host Parramatta in the second match of this weekend's Gadhu Gathering at Allianz Stadium.
The clash follows Friday's battle between the Roosters and Bulldogs and form a crucial aspect of the NRL Indigenous Round.
South Sydney skipper Cody Walker will lead from the front as the side looks to take a big step forward in the race for a top-eight berth.
The Rabbitohs sit precariously in seventh position, but level on points with the ninth-placed Cowboys and need a win to maintain their place in the eight.
The finals equation for Parramatta is simple. Just keep winning.
The Eels claimed a thrilling victory over the Tigers last week courtesy of a late Isaiah Iongi try and have shown plenty of improvement throughout the season.
Mitchell Moses has long been one of the game's elite playmakers and will look to steer his side to a win on Saturday night.
Match: Rabbitohs v Eels
Round 23 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
7th Position
away Team
Eels
13th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Rabbitohs: One minor change 90 minutes from kick-off, with Moala Graham-Taufa added to the six-man bench in place of Liam Le Blanc. There was also a change on Friday with winger Campbell Graham (calf) dropping out, his place taken by Jye Gray. Skipper Cameron Murray is back after missing two games with a calf injury so Lachlan Hubner goes to the bench. Back-rower David Fifita (suspension) and centre Tallis Duncan (hamstring) also return as the Bunnies look to continue their dominance over the Eels having won 10 of the past 11 clashes.
Eels: A late reshuffle on gameday, with Ryley Smith recalled for his first NRL game since Round 9. The 23-year-old will start at hooker and Tallyn Da Silva shifts to the bench. With five weeks remaining in his time at the Eels before a move to Leeds Rhinos, veteran utility Dylan Walker is being rested, despite being one of Parra's best in 2026. Saxon Pryke comes onto the bench for his sixth NRL game alongside potential debutant Jezaiah Funa-Iuta. Centre Sean Russell was listed among the reserves as he looks to return after three games out with a quad injury but dropped out of the squad and remains at least another week away. .
Match: Rabbitohs v Eels
Round 23 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah Iongi
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex JohnstonWinger for Eels is number 2 Brian Kelly
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Tallis DuncanCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Jack WightonCentre for Eels is number 4 Jordan Samrani
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jye GrayWinger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody WalkerFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Ronald Volkman
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Ashton WardHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita TatolaProp for Eels is number 8 Sam Tuivaiti
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Brandon SmithHooker for Eels is number 22 Ryley Smith
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Keaon KoloamatangiProp for Eels is number 10 Luca Moretti
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 David Fifita2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Jack Williams
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Adam Elliott2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron MurrayLock for Eels is number 13 Jack De Belin
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Lachlan HubnerInterchange for Eels is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Sean KeppieInterchange for Eels is number 14 Saxon Pryke
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Jamie HumphreysInterchange for Eels is number 15 Junior Paulo
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 18 Jayden SullivanInterchange for Eels is number 16 Teancum Brown
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 19 Thomas FletcherReserve for Eels is number 19 Jezaiah Funa-Iuta
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 21 Moala Graham-TaufaReserve for Eels is number 20 Toni Mataele
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs have won 10 of their last 11 games against the Eels.
- The Eels are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 3.
- The Rabbitohs have won only one of their last six games at Allianz Stadium.
- Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 14 tries in his last 15 games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 18 tries in 17 games against the Eels.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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